NIU’s Division of International Programs lost a friend earlier this month when former administrative secretary Sally Saksa died on Nov. 4.

In the weeks after her death, her friends at the division are starting up a scholarship fund in her name.

Saksa was employed at NIU for 38 years before she retired in 1995. She worked everywhere from the president’s office to the physical plant, but spent her last 14 years with the Division of International Programs.

Anne Seitzinger, assistant director of the Study Abroad Office, described Saksa as a loving and caring person who dedicated her life to NIU and its students.

“She was very influential in helping students who studied abroad,” Seitzinger said. “She was very devoted to the international studies.”

Seitzinger said once the parameters for the scholarship are established, the Study Abroad Office and Saksa’s family will choose a recipient from eligible study abroad students.

NIU has sent thousands of students abroad during the past 34 years, and they have traveled to every continent except Antarctica.