Academic Symposium
D
IGITAL TECHNOLOGY EMPOWERS US TO FACE MANY MODERN CHALLENGES,
but does it pose its own unique challenge to the ways we interact as humans? Is the assault on Ukraine only the latest example of an ongoing pernicious threat to global democracy? What does the future portend for all of us if global climate change goes unchecked? Members of Clark University’s faculty from across a range of disciplines came together to address these and other pressing questions during the Academic Symposium, a series of eight discussions and presentations held on campus April 29. The Symposium, which was part of the University’s Inauguration events, highlighted the distinctive expertise, impactful research, and creative talents of Clark faculty, and inspired lively conversations about the social, political, cultural, and environmental imperatives of the day.
Connections and Impact: Clark in the Community “Clark’s motto is ‘Challenge Convention. Change Our world.’ You can’t change the world unless you’re engaged with it,” said Eric DeMeulenaere, associate professor of education, at the start of this panel discussion. Clark University has a long history of partnering with the neighboring community, particularly through the University Park Partnership. Faculty discussed their work in local schools, with area organizations, and prisons, among other engagements. Professor Laurie Ross, who has spent decades gathering and analyzing data on youth violence prevention in Worcester, emphasized the need to let community members speak for themselves and represent their own stories and perspectives. What makes this culture of community involvement so strong at the University? The professors cited supportive colleagues and interdisciplinary collaboration, the lack of physical barriers separating Clark from the neighborhood, and community engagement being written into the curriculum.
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