Jane Weidlund ‘46

Jane Weidlund received a BA in international studies from Barnard College in 1946 and held offices in the international relations club, the political council, the student government, and the student newspaper. After Barnard, she earned a graduate degree in public administration from the University of Michigan.

Jane’s involvement with the United Nations began in 1945—before its charter took effect—when she was selected by the dean of Barnard, a delegate of the United States government, to intern at a program designed to train college students for international service. After completing her three-month internship, Jane took the oath of office in the International Civil Service and went on to serve in the United Nations for 38 years.

During her distinguished career, she held several important positions, including Deputy Director for Technical Assistance Recruitment Administration Service (TARAS), Chief of the Central America and Caribbean Section of the Americas Branch, and Chief of Section in the Africa Branch. Jane had a pioneering role in the realization and establishment of the United Nations Volunteers, an entity that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide.

After retiring, she served as a voluntary economic adviser to the Holy See Mission to the United Nations and as a member of the governing board of the Association of Former International Civil Servants (AFICS NY). For her eight years of voluntary service to the Holy See Mission to the United Nations, Jane was decorated with the Vatican Medal.

Throughout her life, Jane remembered the impact Barnard had on her. To create opportunities for future generations of women, Jane made a planned gift to the College through her will to establish a scholarship fund for Barnard students who are graduates of Catholic secondary schools and need financial assistance. While her passing was felt by many of her colleagues and friends, she leaves behind a lasting legacy of support that will provide life-changing opportunities to promising young women for years to come.