CSI’s weekly lecture series invites the community’s experts to discuss globally lived experiences and international opportunities
By Yasmine Abdeldayem
Photo Caption: This fall’s lecture series presents virtually every Wednesday afternoon. Students can get in touch with the world from the comfort of their homes.
CSI’s World on Wednesday Lecture Series has returned for the Fall 2021 term and the line-up is offering opportunities for students looking to connect to the world outside of campus.
The Center for Global Engagement has compiled a schedule of esteemed lecturers with expertise in varying fields, from business management to sports journalism.
All lectures are held on Zoom every Wednesday from 12:20-1:10 pm.
Each lecture qualifies as a CC Clue Event. Students are encouraged to attend to fulfill any requirements they may have, while receiving insightful teachings and advice from accomplished scholars.
On October 20th, the series began with a lecture titled “Environmental and Social Issues, and Governance” from Jae Young Cho, who is a part of CSI’s Visiting Scholars program.
Students, and those simply looking to enlighten themselves on corporate practices outside of the U.S., were able to hear the insights she had garnered based on the sustainable management of a Korean utility company.
The second lecture of the season was led by CSI’s own Grace M. Cho, Associate Professor of Sociology. She discussed her new book, “Tastes Like War”, which weaves together memories of dishes she made for her ailing mother amid a thorough investigation, involving personal and global history, into the roots of her mother’s schizophrenia.
Cho’s memoir was named to the 2021 Longlist for the National Book Award for Nonfiction, chosen with nine other works out of a total 679 submissions. Her work was given the honor on account of its extensive exploration into the Korean immigrant experience, xenophobia, the effects of mental illness, colonialism, and war.
While the WOW lecture series was essentially created to bring detailed visions of the global environment to our Staten Island campus and instill awareness of global issues, students can also learn about program opportunities for professional development.
The third event in this fall’s line-up takes a short break from the traditional lecture in order to re-center the focus on students right here on campus; more importantly, what they can do to make their experiences global.
On November 3rd, Michele Callahan, CSI’s Scholarship Advisor, will discuss the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, which any interested CSI students are encouraged to take advantage of.
The program offers fellowships to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students, and young professionals for the purpose of studying, researching or teaching English abroad.
The Fulbright Program has long been a staple in CSI’s efforts to connect students with study-abroad opportunities; in 2017, CSI ranked 2nd on Fulbright Scholars Top-Producing List for Master’s Institutions. The prestigious program aligns with the Center for Global Engagement’s goal to engage the campus community in academia and lifestyles on a broader level.
Andrew Lambert, CSI’s Professor of Philosophy, will contribute his own professional experiences to WOW’s fourth lecture on November 10th, which is titled “How Journalism Works At The Olympics”. He will dedicate his fifty-minute lecture to talking about his work as a sports journalist at renowned events such as the London 2012 Olympics, the 2010 Asian Games, and the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Jennifer Frankel is leading the sixth series in the line-up, “International Student Insurance Orientation”, on November 17th. The presentation is geared toward international students and scholars; the audience will receive an informational rundown of the U.S. healthcare system and the tools to navigate it effectively.
There’s good news for students interested in the content that WOW has to offer, but can’t attend Wednesday meeting times. According to Winnie Brophy, Director of Special Programs and Initiatives at the Center for Global Engagement, November’s overall event schedule will branch out to more weekdays and meeting times.
On November 16th from 2:30 to 3:30, Danielle A. Harms will talk about the benefits and challenges of a career in the foreign service. This event is also virtual and counts as a CC Clue event.
During International Education Week, which spans November 15-19th, a list of events will be hosted for all to attend. The flyer with the final schedule will be available soon.
For anyone interested in attending upcoming WOW lectures, additional information and the Zoom link to join can be found on CSI’s website. The events are free admission for all.
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