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Dr. Concha Melendez (January 21, 1895-June 26, 1983) born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, was a renowned educator, poet and writer.
Concha was raised in Caguas, where she received her primary and secondary education. After graduating form high school she enrolled in the University of Puerto Rico where she earned her teachers certificate.
Concha taught at the University's high school while she continued to pursue her University studies. In 1924, she received her Bachelors Degree. Soon after, Concha went to New York, where she obtained her Masters Degree in 1926 at Columbia University. She returned to Puerto Rico where she became a professor at the University of Puerto Rico.
Concha went to Mexico where she enrolled in the University of Mexico. In 1932, she became the "first" woman in the history of Mexico to earn a Doctorate in Philosophy and Letters.
When she returned to Puerto Rico, the University of Puerto Rico bestowed upon her the title of "Professor Emeritus" in Hispanic-American Literature. She was named Director of the Hispanic Studies and Humanities Faculty Department at the University, position which she held from 1940-1959. Concha also founded the Tenure on Hispanic-American Literature in the University.
In 1964, Concha acted as visiting professor at the Middlebury School of Languages in Vermont.
Concha,s essays have been published in the most important publications on Hispanic literature. Her works have been compiled into 15 volumes by the Editorial Cultural. Among her works are the following: "Asomante", "Amado Nervo", "La Inquietud Sosegada", "Various Hispanic-American Poets", "The Act of Storytelling in Puerto Rico", "Signs from Iberoamerica", "Entrance in Peru", "Figuration of Puerto Rico and other srudies", "Jose de Diego in my Memory", "Hispanic-American Literature", "Words for Listeners", "People and Books", "Fiction Literature in Puerto Rico", "Poetry in Alfonso Reyes" and "Indian Novel in Hispanic-America".
Concha was awarded with many honors and distinctions in Puerto Rico as well as in other countries. Among the awards are the "Medal of Literature" from the Puerto Rican Ateneo, "The Diploma of Honor" from the Mexican Acamedy of Languages, the "Order of Andres Belloy" and the "Award of Honor" from the Puerto Rican Ateneo. She was also the "first" woman to belong to the Puerto Rican Academy of Languages.
Concha Melendez died in San Juan, Puerto Rico on June 26, 1983.
Every year the Coalition of Hispanic American Women of Miami, selects five high school graduates, whom will receive the Elena Mederos/Concha Melendez Scholarship for their outstanding academic records. Puerto Rico has a school in San Juan named after her and in Virginia there is also a high school named after her.
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