2014-15: A Year in Review
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ZSEIFS: Ecuador 2014 Remembering David Coffey Course Enhancement ZSEIFS Alumni: In Their Own Words Beyond the Classroom Event Spotlight: Art in Motion Ecuador in the Community Ecuadorian Fare Post of the Week On the Horizon: IYO South Africa 2015-16
Prepared by:
Katherine Paschetto, Programming Coordinator OIP Addie Cheney, Assistant Director OIP Designed by:
Jeremy Copeck, Visual Arts ‘14
The International Year Of… Bringing the world to WKU one country at a time. The International Year Of… (IYO) program, an annual yearlong exploration of a single country or community with a deeper and more nuanced understanding of and appreciation for the world around departments, other campus units, and even community organizations to spotlight the year’s target country in ways that are most relevant for their audiences. The result is a diverse and varied calendar of events that facilitates a campus and community-wide engagement with the target country. The 2014projects, programs, and events. Over the course of the International Year of Ecuador, thousands of WKU constituents discovered and explored Ecuadorian culture, cuisine, history, and politics.
International Year of Ecuador Planning Committee Fred Carter, Ed.D. Teacher Education
David Coffey, Ed.D. Agriculture
John Dizgun, Ph.D. Kentucky Institute for International Studies
Holli Drummond, Ph.D. Sociology
Marc Eagle, Ph.D. History
Zuheir Sofia Endowed International Faculty Seminar Complementing the IYO through extended faculty engagement.
Cecile Garmon, Ph.D. Communication
Loup Langton, Ph.D. Journalism & Broadcasting
Sonia Lenk, Ph.D. Modern Languages
A key component of the IYO and a critical initiative in WKU’s long-term, comprehensive internationalization professional development program for WKU faculty. Each year preceding the implementation of an IYO, concentrated study and preparation that culminates in a two-three week program in the target country. Not only does the ZSEIFS position a core group of faculty to play a lead role during the relevant IYO, it also serves as a springboard for their long-term engagement with the target country.
“I was given the opportunity to meet and work with others on campus who have a common love for Ecuador and its people, and in exchange I learned things that I never knew about Ecuador from my colleagues. As I say to friends, ‘Ecuador es mi segundo hogar’, and as ‘my second home,’ I’m proud to help others learn about it.” – Loup Langton, Ph.D., Director, School of Journalism & Broadcasting–
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ZSEIFS 2014 Participants Jill Brown, M.S. OCSE, Geography & Geology
Kelly Conroy, Ph.D. PCAL, Modern Languages
Beverley Holland, Ph.D. CHHS, Nursing
Aaron Hughey, Ed.D. CEBS, Student Affairs
ZSEIFS: Ecuador 2014 under the direction of faculty leader Melissa Stewart, Ph.D. (Spanish). The in-country experience was the culminating piece in a semester-long program designed to internationalize the teaching, research, and service of its faculty participants. While South American country. The in-country itinerary, crafted with the goal of increasing participants’ interdisciplinary knowledge of Ecuador while also providing space for individual exploration, included opportunities to connect with scholars and interact with one of the many indigenous communities in Ecuador. Participants applied the new knowledge and connections developed through the ZSEIFS to their scholarship in the form of enhanced or new academic courses and co-curricular programming for the subsequent yearlong focus on Ecuador and beyond.
Donielle Lovell, Ph.D. PCAL, Sociology
Albert Meier, Ph.D. OCSE, Biology
Virginia Pfohl, M.A. CEBS, Psychology
William Pfohl, Psy.D. CEBS, Psychology
Melissa Stewart, Ph.D. Faculty Leader, PCAL, Modern Languages
Gil Holts, Aramark District Executive Chef, Staff Internationalization Grant Recipient “Traveling to Ecuador has meant creating fantastic networks to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between activists,
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international curriculum to teach from in my classes. Longer term, I intend to maintain these contacts so I can continue to gain understanding, foster opportunities for faculty and student exchange, and hopefully one day lead a study abroad to this wonderful country.” – Donielle Lovell, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology, ZSEIFS Ecuador Participant –
Remembering David Coffey
Through his study abroad program, I became hooked on international education—so much so that I studied abroad four times while at WKU. Dr. experience without him.” - Matt Frazier, Biology/Pre-Physical Therapy ’15 -
International Year of Ecuador. Having led more than twenty study abroad programs to Ecuador the Commonwealth that would contribute to the successful planning and implementation of the inaugural International Year Of… program and associated ZSEIFS. Additionally, more than three
information, call (270) 745-4597.
Left: David Coffey talks to a group of students on his study abroad program Development and Sustainability in Ecuador in the spring of 2013. Below: Kristina Arnold, MFA (Art), speaks about the late David Coffey at a reception dedicated to honoring his memory in December 2014.
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Course Enhancement The International Year Of… is designed to enrich the academic experience of all WKU students. As such, course enhancements are a vital component of the IYO program. During the 2014-15 academic year, faculty from all six academic colleges brought Ecuadorian perspectives and examples into nearly forty classrooms. Culinary Arts faculty from Universidad San Francisco de Quito, a WKU partner university, presented to a Catering and Beverage Management course; those students, in turn, designed a four course menu featuring baked empanadas, shrimp ceviche, and carne colorada. Visiting lecturers like Ecuadorian political cartoonist and activist Xavier “Bonil” Bonilla presented prime opportunities for Spanish students to exercise their translation skills in a real life setting. Students in Gallery Studies curated an exhibition honoring the from his family, colleagues, and former students to create a stunning display in the FAC Corridor Gallery. Though not all of the thirty-eight academic courses will retain their Ecuadorian features, many have been permanently transformed, ensuring that the impact of this year extends far beyond its conclusion.
Xavier “Bonil” Bonilla speaks about censorship in Ecuador as part of the Tracing the Unexplored series, Spring 2015.
“As I was translating Bonilla’s piece, I was struck with the importance of the role that translators play in the case for freedom of expression. Translators open the doors for a wider audience and the spread of information. It is comforting and empowering to know that you are allowing someone’s thoughts and concerns to be heard on a grander scale— especially when the issue Ecuador, more people can support him and his cause.” – Erin Miller, Spanish/Communication Studies ’16, on translating Xavier “Bonil” Bonilla’s campus lecture. – The WKU International Year of Ecuador Celebrates Dr. David M. Coffey display, designed by students, in progress in FAC corridor gallery, Fall 2014.
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Ecuadorian photojournalist Pablo Corral Vega (left) and Loup Langton, Ph.D., Director of WKU’s School of Journalism and Broadcasting, discuss their collaborative work on the photograph collection Discovering Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, Spring 2015.
ZSEIFS Alumni: In Their Own Words Here is what they had to say about the ongoing impact of their ZSEIFS experience. It has been more than a year since you participated in the ZSEIFS to Ecuador. In what ways is that experience still impacting you as a scholar? DL: “I think this program helps me to keep in the forefront that I’m not just asking students to think critically about problems.” One of the primary goals of the ZSEIFS is to internationalize academic courses—not just for the relevant IYO celebration, but also in the long-term. What strategies did you use to infuse new international subject matter into existing courses? DL: themes that can be reused and updated in a quick manner. For example, I created the module “The Hidden Cost of courses, including Sociological Theory (SOCL 304); Collective Behavior (SOCL 312); Race, Class, & Gender (SOCL 362); and Diversity in American Society (SOCL 375).” AH: “I have infused reading related to Ecuadorian culture into the course requirements for International Students & Services in Higher Education (CNS 581) to give students a wider perspective when dealing with international students. Being able to think critically is increasingly important to education and to our society as a whole. Nothing happens in a vacuum; only by understanding the context can one accurately interpret the practices of a particular region.” The ZSEIFS is also intended to seed long-term engagement beyond the classroom—in the form of research projects, new education abroad programs, or other creative or collaborative endeavors involving Ecuador or Ecuadorian scholars. Are you pursuing any projects/activities that stemmed from your participation in the ZSEIFS to Ecuador? AH: “I am working on a journal manuscript comparing attitudes regarding the importance of higher education among ZSEIFS Ecuador participants walk along La Ronda in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, Summer 2014.
(as it would have been before) due to my more intimate knowledge of the culture I am investigating.”
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With the capacity to foster both intellectual and social development in our students, co-curricular programs are a valuable educational tool. The IYO program, in partnership with internal and external units, dedicates substantial time and resources to creating high-quality, high-impact programs that extend our students’ learning spaces beyond the traditional classroom. Thanks to the
Beyond the Classroom
community organizations, the IYO Ecuador brought over forty Ecuador-themed co-curricular events to WKU audiences. From art exhibits to musical performances to guest lecturers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, the year’s diverse calendar of events engaged well over in meaningful ways, building upon knowledge gained in academic courses or sparking new interests through the introduction of unexplored topics.
Carlos Montúfar, Ph.D., President Rector of Universidad San Francisco de Quito presents From Copernicus to Darwin, a talk on the central role Ecuador has played in major scientific movements, sponsored by the Department of Biology, Fall 2014.
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Participants discuss the Ecuadorian film Que Tan Lejos at an installment of the Faraway Flix film series, Fall 2014.
“The most interesting thing that happened to me at the International Year of Ecuador Centennial Market was that I spoke with an Ecuadorian artisan and in Ecuador. It was a wonderful experience, and it made me really excited to interact with native speakers to improve my Spanish-speaking abilities.” – Cathryn Ellis, Communication Studies/Spanish ’18, on her experience at the International Year of Ecuador Centennial Market –
Students peruse the items available at the International Year of Ecuador Centennial Market. At this kickoff event—inspired by the iconic street markets of Ecuador—participants could purchase Ecuadorian goods, interact with native Ecuadorians, sample fruit juices common in Ecuador, and listen to live Latin music, courtesy of Serenatta, Fall 2014.
“Working with the IYO Ecuador allowed our students access to an artist they would not otherwise have been able to work with. They were impressed with the depth and range of Sandra Fernández’ experience as a young artist and social activist in Ecuador, remarking only read about in books.” – Kristina Arnold, MFA, facilitated seven events during the IYO Ecuador including three exhibits, a visit and lectures by Ecuadorian artist Sandra Fernández, and two receptions. Arnold Visiting artist Sandra Fernández and her exhibit On Migrations, Dreams, and Dreamers, Fall 2014.
(ART 496) course. –
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Event Spotlight: Art in Motion
President Gary Ransdell admires Guayasamín’s work at the Art in Motion exhibit opening reception, Spring 2015.
Art in Motion: Guayasamín’s Ecuador Unframed, an exhibit conceptualized by a group of scholars at the University of Notre Dame and made possible by Vanderbilt University’s Center for Latin American Studies, was on display at the Kentucky Museum during the month of Feburary. The exhibit bridges cultural theory, mathematical analysis, media visualization, and computer programming in an innovative installation of the mural Ecuador (1952), a major art work by Oswaldo Guayasamín, one of the most prominent Latin American artists of the twentieth century. Guayasamín’s original mural, consisting of five moveable and interchangeable panels, explores notions of identity within the Ecuadorian context. The Art in Motion exhibit utilizes technology to digitally ‘unframe’ Guayasamín’s panels, providing viewers the ability to rearrange and reorient the panels into some of its infinite configuration possibilities.
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Belén Sánchez, Head of International Cooperation Unit of the Embassy of Ecuador, at the Art in Motion exhibit opening reception, Spring 2015.
Ecuador in the Community Honors College at WKU and IYO Ecuador to host From Seed to Cup: The Economics
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Community Partners of the International Year of Ecuador
SPENCER’S
The event featured guest speaker Matthew Huested of Louisville’s Sunergos for participants. Left: Samples of freshly ground Ecuadorian coffee are prepared for participants at From Seed to Cup: The Economics of Coffee in Ecuador and Around the World at Spencer’s Coffee, Spring 2015. Below: A variety of South American wines await sampling at Taste the Wines of South America at Liquor Barn, Spring 2015.
In the spring of 2015, IYO Ecuador found its way to the palates and minds of local community members. Taste the Wines of South America in partnership with Liquor Barn and Bowling Green – Warren County Community Education, provided community members the opportunity to sample wines from Chile and Argentina. The event also included a presentation on Ecuadorian wine and the reasons behind its underrepresented status in South American wine production.
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Llapingachos Fried, cheese-stuffed potato patties
Aramark District Executive Chef Gil Holts assists visiting Chefs Ana Teresa Pérez and Mario Jiménez of Ecuador’s Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) who developed, prepared, and presented an Ecuadorian meal for President Ransdell and guests, including Carlos Montúfar, President Rector of USFQ, Fall 2014.
Ecuadorian Fare
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Ecuadorian empanadas ready for presentation.
Common to all and as diverse as the people who prepare it, food is an ideal way to explore a new culture. The IYO Ecuador partnered with Aramark to bring this key cultural marker to the WKU community. Aramark District Executive Chef Gil Holts, a Staff Internationalization Grant (SIG) recipient, incorporated Ecuadorian dishes into both the catering and Fresh Food Company menus. Holts’ SIG took him to Ecuador in the spring of 2014. While in Ecuador, Holts explored local gastronomy and developed connections with culinary professionals that sparked the transformation of WKU dining options.
Ingredients: 5 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 2 tbs sunflower or avocado oil ½ cup finely chopped white onion 2 tsp ground achiote 1 cup grated quesillo or mozzarella cheese Salt to taste Instructions: 1. Boil potatoes until soft 2. Heat the oil over medium heat, add onions & achiote, cook until onions are soft (about 5 minutes) 3. Mash the potatoes, mix in the onion refrito and salt to taste 4. Cover potato dough and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour 5. Roll the dough into small golf ball-sized rounds 6. Make a hole in the middle of each dough ball and fill with the grated cheese 7. Shape the dough into thick patties around the cheese 8. Cook the patties on a hot griddle until browned on each side, (about 4-5 minutes each side) 9. Serve with fried egg and sausage, avocado slices, and peanut or aji sauce
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Post of the Week OIP launched the IYO Post of the Week contest. The contest puts students in the role of educator and has the potential to extend the impact of the IYO far beyond the boundaries of our campus. To participate, students simply share a photo along with a statement about what they learned about Ecuador—through their coursework or an IYO event—to their preferred social media outlet. Each week, a winning post is selected and reposted to the IYO social media sites. At the end of the year, each Post of the Week winner is entered into a drawing for a $250 book scholarship. IYO Post of the Week grand prize winner @rainsavannah posts about her experience at The Musical Traditions of Ecuador: “Tonight during guest speaker Milton Estèvez’ presentation about music culture in Ecuador, Afro-Ecuadorian musician who has risen to fame playing marimba and guitar.”
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Future International Year Of... Countries 2015-16: South Africa 2016-17: South Korea 2017-18: Bosnia & Herzegovina 2018-19: Accepting Proposals What country do you want to explore in 2018-19? Groups of faculty with demonstrated investment/experience with a country are invited to submit a proposal for upcoming countries of focus. See wku.edu/iyo or contact internationalization@wku.edu for more details.
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On the Horizon: IYO South Africa 2015-16 Featured Events Talk/Lecture
Film/Media
10/27 6:00pm-7:30pm
9/18 6:30pm
Conscience of the Human Spirit: The Life of Nelson Mandela Exhibit: An Artist’s Perspective presented by Professor Cynthia Lockhart. Kentucky Museum Western Room.
3/17 5:00pm
Faraway Flix presents Tsotsi. Faculty House.
9/28 - 10/16
Have You Heard from Johannesburg? Documentary series by director Connie Field.**
Surviving Apartheid and Committing to Social Justice presented by Vernon Domingo, Ph.D., and Darrel Kruger, Ph.D. GRH Auditorium.
Exhibit
9/8 - 1/31
Conscience of the Human Spirit: The Life of Nelson Mandela. Kentucky Museum, First Floor.
Performance/Festival
9/10 11:00am-3:00pm
Braai in the Bluegrass: A South African Barbecue. Centennial Mall.
11/21 4:00pm-7:00pm
Africa Night: featuring South Africa presented by the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and the WKU African Student Union. DSU Auditorium.*
2/10 7:30pm
Ladysmith Black Mambazo presented by WKU Cultural Enhancement Series. Van Meter Hall. *Ticketed event. For details, contact WKU African Student Union at wkuasa@gmail.com. **Each episode will be shown at a different time/location. See wku.edu/iyo for full schedule.
International Year of Ecuador by the Numbers: Courses featuring Ecuadorian content
Campus and community events with an Ecuadorian focus
Guest scholars, performers, and other experts
People attended events, exhibits, and lectures*
WKU academic colleges, departments, and service units
WKU colleges participated in IYO Ecuador through event facilitation and/or course integration
External organizations/ businesses
* Many events during the International Year of Ecuador were exhibits, making it difficult to track attendance. We confidently estimate that the total number of attendees for the IYO Ecuador was well over 3,000. All data above gathered from a survey of WKU faculty, conducted summer 2015.
Western Kentucky University Sofia-Downing International Center 1906 College Heights Blvd. #11066 Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: (270) 745-5334 Fax: (270) 745-6144
Email: internationalization@wku.edu Website: wku.edu/oip Facebook: WKU Office of International Programs Instagram: @wkuiyo Twitter: @wkuiyo