Pittsburgh Tribune Review, June 6, 2007, Wednesday

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Pittsburgh Tribune Review

June 6, 2007 Wednesday

HEADLINE: Newsmaker: Carmelo Mesa-Lago

BODY:

Residence: Squirrel Hill

Age: 72

Family: Wife, Elena; daughters, Elizabeth Mesa-Gaido, Ingrid Mesa-Gibbons and Helena Mesa

Occupation: University of Pittsburgh distinguished professor emeritus of economics and Latin American studies

Education: Bachelor's degree in law from the University of Havana; master's degree in economics from the University of Miami; law degree from University of Madrid; doctorate in labor relations from Cornell University.

Background: Has been a Pitt faculty member since 1967 and is the former director of the University's Center for Latin American Studies, where he founded and edited the journal Cuban Studies; authored more than 60 books and more than 200 articles published in eight languages in 33 countries.

Noteworthy: Will receive the inaugural International Labour Organization Decent Work Research Prize on June 15 in Geneva. He is sharing the award with Nobel laureate and former South Africa President Nelson Mandela. The prize recognizes Mesa-Lago's major scholarly contributions for the advancement of decent work. He has had a significant impact on social security and pension reform in Latin America.

Quote: "The nomination for this award was done by 10 former graduate students of mine -- some from Pitt, some from Germany, some from Spain, some from Latin America. They occupy important positions in international organizations. So, for me, the nomination by itself was a great honor. But to receive this first award at the end of my working academic life is the best honor I could receive."

-- Bill Zlatos