Personal Statement

Patrice Van Hyle is a dynamic, creative woman who loves to continually expand her knowledge and experience of the world, people and cultures. Fluent in French and Italian, conversational in Spanish and Japanese, Patrice is always willing to add to her arsenal of accomplishments and expertise. She is a gifted writer and has published extensively in the U.S. and abroad on topics of human interest ranging from the global environment and international women's/children's issues to societal customs, cultures, traditions and religions of various countries around the world.

Patrice as Master of Ceremonies for
International Day, Tokyo, Japan 1998

Patrice's passions lie in the fields of art, poetry, music, dance, film, theology, ecology and travel of any kind. She has seen and lived in many parts of the globe including Europe, Asia, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Patrice lived in NYC for nine years where she gained much expertise working in the arenas of international business, United Nations/Vatican diplomacy, translation and teaching. She then moved to Tokyo, Japan where she lived and worked for 4 1/2 years as a Maryknoll lay missioner engaged in teaching, journalism and pastoral ministry. She has a M.A. in French Studies from N.Y.U. (Cum Laude), a triple major B.A. in French/Italian and Political Science from the University of Wisc-Milw (GPA 3.836), a Certificate in Translation & Interpreting from N.Y.U. School of Continuing Education, Certificates in Business French (Paris) and Conversational/Intermediate Spanish (NYC & Acapulco) and a Certificate in Christian Ministry from Alverno College, Milwaukee. She plays flute in a community orchestra and enjoys ballet, opera, the symphony and theater. She can also sing and tap dance!