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Carmelo
Urza, PhD.
Born in 1948
Scholar, Promoter of Basque Studies Program
  Carmelo
Urza was born on July 17, 1948 in Bilbao, Bizkaia. At age
5, Carmelo and his mother joined his father in Boise, Idaho.
After graduation, Carmelo entered the Master's degree program
in Spanish at the University of Nevada, Reno. He completed
his doctorate at the University of Iowa. During his undergraduate
years, Carmelo enrolled in two overseas studies programs which
no doubt influenced him greatly in later years. In 1969-70
he studied at the University of Madrid, in the summer of 1972,
Carmelo enrolled in a Basque Studies Abroad Program organized
by the University of Nevada, Reno.
In 1982, after completing his graduate work, he was hired
to develop, design, administer and lead overseas studies program
for college students throughout the United States. In 1982,
Carmelo became the first (and to this date, the only) Director
of the University Studies Abroad Consortium, housed at the
University of Nevada, Reno. In it's first years, USAC opened
a campus in San Sebastian, Spain and in St. Jean de Luz, France
- right in the heart of Euzkadi. Many Basques and part Basques
wanted to return to Euzkadi to study their Basque ancestry.
In the seventeen years of USAC's existence, campuses have
been added in Bilbao and in non-Basque locations and this
year nearly 1,800 students are preparing to study in campuses
across the globe.
In addition, Carmelo has made important contributions to Basques
in the New and Old World. His book SOLITUDE; SYMBOLISM IN
THE NATIONAL BASQUE MOVEMENT has been widely read. We also
know that Carmelo's work on the Monument Committee helped
make the project a reality. His list of publications include
nearly forty articles on Basque-related topics. Carmelo has
organized several special events - including hosting Basque
dignitaries in the American West, sponsoring academic conferences
at the University, and participating in the academic activities
of the Basque Studies Program in Reno.
We honor and esteem Carlemo Urza for his great contribution
to Basque culture.
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about Dr. Urza
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2002,
Pierre Igoa