Date: September 5, 2007
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

PNC Brownbag Series Looks at Diversity

WESTVILLE– Purdue University North Central will present a Brownbag Series in the coming months, with PNC faculty, staff and community members leading programs that center on the topic of “diversity.”

The seminars will vary in style and subject, but all will share the intent of presenting topics and issues that can contribute to the development of tolerant, inclusive campus and community cultural practices. Some presenters will feature short film clips or interactive pieces that will stimulate conversation and discussion, others will present ideas for open dialogue and sharing of views and experiences.

The Brownbag Series is coordinated by Bob Mellin, continuing lecturer of English.

The seminars will be presented from noon to 12:45 p.m., in the PNC Library-Student-Faculty Building Room 144. They are free and open to the public. Varying opinions are welcome.

The series begins Sept. 19 with the program, “Machu Picchu, One of the New Seven Wonders of the World” presented by Maria Ziegenfus, visiting assistant professor of Spanish Modern Languages; Kathryn Miller, limited-term lecturer and Kenneth Kincaid, assistant professor of History.

They will discuss Machu Picchu, ancient citadel suspended above the clouds into the curves and dip of the Andes in Peru, South America. It is considered a masterpiece of architecture and a unique testimony to the Inca civilization.

Oct. 17 - “The Impact of Globalization on Higher Education” presented by Sarah Sanders Smith, assistant professor Organizational Leadership and Supervision; Martha Garcia-Sanez, associate professor of Building Construction Management Technology and Biju Longhinos, from University College, Trivandrum City, Kerala, India. Mellen will act as moderator.

Their program will be based on a presentation they made at the Frontiers in Education Conference. The three professors will discuss the sometimes controversial topic of the international aspects of higher education, English and globalization. Moderator will be Kim Scipes, assistant professor of Sociology.

Nov. 14 – “Children’s International Summer Villages” presented by Jody Presser, president of the Michigan City Chapter of the Children’s International Summer Villages. She will detail how this program is working toward world peace by providing children and youth with opportunities to develop intercultural and global friendships. Mellen will act as moderator.

Feb. 20 – “The Impact of the Civil Rights Movement” with speakers Arthur Payne, community activist and LaVeda Green, of PNC Building Services, who will share their personal perspectives of the impact of the civil rights movement on their lives, their communities, where we are today and what is needed to move into the future. Moderator will be Patricia Carlisle, special assistant to the chancellor.

March 19 – “Celebration of Disability Diversity” with Jodi James, disability services coordinator and Karen Donah, visiting assistant professor of American Sign Language. They will together explore the diversity found within the disability community and the impact for the future.

April 16 - “Energy Healing and You” with Yeou-Lan Chen, chair of the Department of Nursing, who will explore concepts of energy, energy healing and how it relates to health and physical benefit. Moderator will be Janell Irving, PNC grants writer.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Mellin at 800-872-1231, ext. 5215. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations should contact ext. 5215.

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