Cultural Connectedness
International Week
takes on new relevance
The university's
fourth International Week Festival, Sept. 22-29, took on new meaning
and importance since it so closely followed the terrorist attacks of
Sept. 11.
"Even though
some guest lectures were canceled because of the federal airline lockdown,
the rest of our International Week programs brought a multicultural
connectedness that was much needed," says International Programs Director
Bethany Oberst.
George Saliba,
Maltese ambassador to the United States, spoke on Malta and its relationship
with America, and students heard a presentation on JMU's Summer in Malta
program. Other activities during the week included an international
community festival, an international flag parade, an African Drum Festival,
Celtic and
Hispanic music performances, a study abroad fair and an international
photo contest. The week also featured an Honors Program lecture on God,
Ancestors and Forest Spirits: An African System of Thought, by history
professor Joseph Opala.
JMU biology
professor Ivor Knight, on leave to work for the U.S. Agency for International
Development in Washington, D.C., organized a panel discussion on world
hunger, where scientists and policymakers discussed the role of science
and technology in reducing world hunger.
Panelists
and speakers included Per Pinstrup Anderson, director general of the
International Food Policy Research Institute; Catherine Ives, director
of the Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project and visiting professor
at Michigan State University; and Jonathan Monroe, JMU biology professor.
Michelle Hite
('88)
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