Melva was born in Minneapolis on March 16,
1903. She
received a number of degrees, including a B.A. at the
University
of Minnesota,
majoring in French, Journalism and Music, and an M.A. in
Personnel Psychology.
She studied in France for several years, and
received a doctorate from the University of Paris-Sorbonne.
Returning to the United States in 1929, Dr. Lind taught French at
Smith College
for seven years and at
Mount
Holyoke
College
for twelve years.
After two years in Washington, D.C. as a
Specialist in Higher Education, and three years at
Miami
University as Dean of Women and
Professor of French, she returned to
Minnesota
to become Dean of Students at Gustavus Adolphus, in St.
Peter (1953-65).
Dr. Lind later taught there in the French Department
(1965-75), and served as Director of International Education
(1973-78). She
has been a Development Associate since 1978.
In 1979
Dr. Lind published a book, L’Ame Indienne: Chippewa at Sioux
du Haut-Mississippi d’apres les manuscrits de Joseph-Nicolas
Nicollet (1786-1843).
In 1974
Dr. Lind received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the
Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota.
She received four awards from the French Government.
The French Ordre des Palmes Acadeuiques, Chevalier,
1952; The French Ordre des Palmes Academiques, Officer,
1965; The French Ordre National de Merite, Chevalier, 1972;
American Revolution Bicentennial Commemorative Silver Medal
from France, 1976.
She has been decorated by the King of Sweden and
Honored as Princess by the Minnesota Indian Tribal Council.
