4 minute read
Friday, October 3 pm
Bridges
Sharing Cultures and Perspectives With the Community
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Stony Brook has several cultural centers that have become integral parts of the fabric of campus and community life. Neighbors and friends of SBU are encouraged to learn more about these centers and participate in events that interest them.
The Center for Italian Studies
Since its establishment in 1985, the Center for Italian Studies mission has been to build a cultural bridge with the community through events that both reveal the effects of an enriching Italian cultural heritage and reflect the contributions and impact of Italian Americans on the historical evolution of our country.
Those already familiar with the center’s events are aware of its programs, which are richly diverse in both format and topics. The center’s staff is already planning the 2021-2022 academic year, which will feature virtual and in-person events, such as the recent return of the much loved Robert D. Cess Annual Celebration of Italian Vehicle Excellence and Beauty.
The Center for Italian Studies is in the Frank Melville Memorial Library, Fourth Floor, Room E4340. If you would like to visit the center to familiarize yourself with its facilities and resources, please call 631-632-7444 or email josephine.fu co@stonybrook.edu to arrange an appointment. Events for the fall will soon be posted online at stonybrook.edu/italianstudies.
The Center for Multilingual and Intercultural Communication (MIC) was initially conceptualized in summer 2013. It was designed to provide a creative, collaborative platform for scholars and students to explore the complex and dynamic nature of communication involving participants from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. In MIC’s first official year (2014-2015), the center initiated a Distinguished Lecture Series on multilingual and intercultural communication, which is ongoing.
Last year’s programs included Breaking Silence: A Public Forum on Anti-AAPI Racism and a workshop series on language and social justice. To watch videos of lectures and other workshops or to see the 2021-2022 schedule of virtual and inperson events, visit stonybrook.edu/mic.
The Mattoo Center for India Studies
For more than 25 years, the Mattoo Center has been promoting a better appreciation of Indian thought, culture, civilization and contemporary issues by developing expertise and resources for studying India for the benefit of the university and the community.
In addition to lectures and workshops for the public, the center provides scholarships and facilitates internships and manages a study abroad program. There is also a reference and multimedia library the community can use by appointment.
Programming is now being worked on for the upcoming academic year.
For more information on the center, visit stony brook.edu/india.
The Mattoo Center for India Studies supports several dance groups on campus, who share their culture and love of dance at many campus events, such as CommUniversity Day (pictured here from 2019).
New Program Launched to Foster Connection With the Community
This past August, Stony Brook University debuted the One Book, One Community program, a fun and innovative way to unite Stony Brook University and neighboring communities through shared reading and conversation. Through the program, interested readers will receive a free copy of a book (first come, first served) that explores important cultural, social and ethical issues. Choose from a variety of free events that connect to the themes of the selected reading — an excellent way to meet people of different ages, backgrounds and experience; learn from each other; and promote dialogue around community values and goals. Events are free and open to the public.
This year’s book selection is Interior Chinatown, the New York Times bestseller by Charles Yu. The work explores race, pop culture, immigration and identity with heart, anger and wit.
Partnering with the university in this endeavor is the Emma S. Clark Memorial Library in Setauket, which will host several events and will have the book available to borrow.
A full list of events and more details are available at stonybrook.edu/onebook.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, October 6, 1 to 2 pm Staller Center
Charles Yu will join Seawolves in a moderated Q&A that will open the discussion to questions from the audience and dig deeper on the importance of the themes centered around diversity and inclusivity found in his book, Interior Chinatown. A book signing will follow at 6 pm.
Thursday, October 7, 4 pm North Room of the Melville Library
The University Libraries will host an engaging discussion on Interior Chinatown. We will also have the opportunity to exchange ideas and reactions to Charles Yu’s campus visit. All are welcome! Pre-
registration required.
Open Nights Series Goes Virtual
This September the university kicks off its 48th year of hosting the Stony Brook Open Nights lecture series. This free series, geared to the general public, began in fall 1973 with the arrival of Comet Kohoutek and proved to be so popular that they continued ever since. The talks are held most Fridays during the fall and spring semesters.
The lectures are grouped into four categories: Astronomy Open Night, The Worlds of Physics, Geology Open Night and the Living World. Faculty speak on aspects of their expertise, research or a topic of public interest. While traditionally the lectures were held in person, due to COVID-19 they were moved to a virtual setting this past year. As the semester progresses, it may be possible to hold some events in person or in a hybrid model.
To learn more about the series and to see the full calendar of events, please visit https:// you.stonybrook.edu/opennights.
