Maxine Bruhns, longtime Pitt Nationality Rooms director and 'citizen of the world,' dies

E. Maxine Bruhns spent most of her life ensuring University of Pittsburgh students and visitors learned something about the many diverse cultures from around the globe.

She served at least 54 years as director of the Oakland campus’ Nationality Rooms, which were described as mini-museums representing the Steel City’s ethnic communities.

Bruhns was also instrumental in expanding the university’s summer study abroad scholarship program that gives more than 50 students the opportunity to travel each year, and initiated a fellowship program to bring scholars to Pittsburgh annually.

Known throughout Pitt as a “citizen of the world,” Bruhns died Friday. She was 96.

Her passing came just six months after her January retirement. She had planned to write a book as part of her new adventures.

“Our community is in mourning — having just learned about the loss of one of our most beloved members,” Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said in a statement. “For more than 50 years, Maxine served as director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Nationality Rooms. In this role, she became a global ambassador, academic leader and generous donor.

“She was as unique and striking as the rooms themselves, and — while she will be deeply missed — her incredible legacy has left an indelible mark, and her love of learning, history and culture will live on.”

Bruhns and her husband, the late Fred C. Bruhns, spent 15 years living overseas, working with refugees in several countries including Cambodia, Greece, Lebanon and Vietnam. While abroad, she completed her master’s degree, taught English and did humanitarian work.

He had earned a doctorate at Pitt and worked with the State Department, USAID and the International Refugee Organization, among other ventures. He died in March 2006 at age 90.

University officials credited Maxine Bruhns with making many people more well-rounded individuals as well as growing the Nationality Rooms, which bring in about 25,000 visitors from all over the world each year.

“Long before diversity and inclusion became part of institutional conversations, Maxine honored — and celebrated — nationalities from around the world. She wove them into the culture at Pitt,” said Ariel C. Armony, vice provost for global affairs and director of the University Center for International Studies, which houses the Nationality Rooms. “She was crucial in transforming the Nationality Rooms into the Pittsburgh-famous destination they are today.”

Memorial services will be held at a later date to honor Bruhns’ life and legacy.