The University has hired a Northeastern University administrator to lead the Intercultural Center, filling the void left by departed director Sujan Talukdar.Monique Gnanaratnam, 38, started work last week after 14 years in student affairs, including work at Northeastern and Bellarmine College in Louisville, KY.

Jamele Adams, assistant dean of student life in support of diversity, described Gnanaratnam's best qualities as her availability to students and willingness to share personal experiences.

"She shares parts of her life that really help others," Adams said. "She's going to represent the legacy of the ICC before her as well as be the building block for next 15 years of cultural pride."

Gnanaratnam said although she has a lot to learn at Brandeis, she feels comfortable in her new position after working in "virtually every aspect" of student life administration.

Assistant Dean of Student Life Alwina Bennett said she predicted increased involvement and renewed interest for the ICC in the wake of Gnanaratnam's hiring.

"She should be forming new partnerships with staff and faculty," Bennett said, adding that such mentorships could be mutually beneficial to students and faculty.

Ernesto Lopez '08, a mainstay in ICC leadership, said he expects Gnanaratnam to "act as an ally and an advocate for student groups," especially regarding funding.

In celebration of its 15th anniversary, the ICC last year submitted to the administration a proposal to renovate its facility in East Quad. University administrators and Student Union officials are still negotiating over the proposal, but Adams said Gnanaratnam could be instrumental in advancing the renovation campaign.

Gnanaratnam stressed that the ICC is a resource for all students, not just the cultural groups under its umbrella.

She said the ICC should be an "educational leader," and one way to achieve that status is to reach out to communities outside Brandeis. She said she wants students here to see how fortunate they are by visiting high schools and elementary schools and educating students about diversity and multiculturalism.

Gnanaratnam, who brought her family to the opening ceremony of Hispanic Heritage Month Wednesday evening, said she hopes to reach out to alumni as part of the ICC's 15th anniversary.

"Students who are exploring their cultures will be well-informed of the initiatives the ICC is taking," she said.