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In
2005, person-to-person connections brought world event home
Season’s greetings from Green Bay’s University of Wisconsin!
As I write this — a few days after Thanksgiving,
a few days before December — I feel almost caught between seasons,
undecided whether this column should convey thankful reflections or perhaps
new year’s resolutions.
With today’s topic, international education and
the “globalization” of UW-Green Bay, we can do both, and celebrate
success while resolving to expand opportunities in the future.
I’ve addressed international education in this
space previously, but can’t offhand remember a time our connections
to world events have been so immediate, so evident.
We’ll be reminded of this in about two weeks, at
mid-year commencement, by the flags that traditionally hang above stage,
one for each of the countries and tribal nations represented in the graduating
class. One flag, the golden lion of Sri Lanka, will honor Dushani Corea-Dharmaratne.
Many will recall Dushani’s superb work in helping
coordinate campus relief for victims of the devastating Asian tsunami. She
and others raised several thousand dollars to buy a replacement boat for
a Sri Lankan fisherman whom Dushani and her family met while volunteering
at a refugee camp. Presented this summer, the craft is helping the fisherman
feed his own family and those of his crew.
Look closely at the photo here for the UW-Green Bay logo
and “Connecting learning to life” on the hull.
That was Dushani’s idea. The decals communicate
the idea that a phoenix-like rebirth for the fishing industry in Moratura,
Sri Lanka, not far from her hometown, is a dream shared by her campus community
on the far side of the globe. This project captures “connecting”
at its best.
People-to-people connections.
That’s why the massive Pakistan earthquake was
felt here, too. We were grateful to exchange e-mails recently with the Pakistani
educators who spent two months as guests here last year. Thankfully, none
was directly affected, but our friends from Baluchistan province shared
first-hand stories of family, co-workers and students in need. “Pakistan
Relief” became a personal matter for many in Green Bay.
The world is a smaller place when we make these connections.
We experienced this, too, when news arrived of the Nov. 9 hotel wedding
bombings in Amman. The campus response was instantaneous, instinctive and
heartfelt. Students and others moved quickly to schedule a vigil and forum.
This was both moving and impressive. While I suspect many Americans sensed
the great geopolitical shock of the blasts (peace shattered in a relatively
stable nation, a surprising new front for Al-Qaeda activity), it is likely
the needle moved far less dramatically in terms of deeper public emotion.
Some are inured to news of such violence. Also, the inevitable first question
of American-style international journalism (“Were many U.S. citizens
killed?”) could not be answered so as to guarantee a lengthy stay
on the front page.
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It is a season to celebrate UW-Green
Bay's commitment to international education. From Dushani Corea-Dharmaratne
(in sunglasses, above) and an immensely practical gift for a Sri Lankan
family; to November's candlelight vigil on campus; to a smiling lineup
of distinguished, globally connected visitors... first person connections
were a recurring story line this year.
Why, then, the grass-roots reaction at UW-Green Bay?
Personal connections. This academic year, we are fortunate
to have with us Prof. Ibtesam Al-Atiyat, a visiting Fulbright Scholar
from Jordan. Teaching in our Social Change and Development and Women’s
Studies programs, Prof. Al-Atiyat has been an engaging presence with our
students. She has shared widely her expertise (on Dec. 3 she speaks at
a workshop for teachers) and is contributing greatly to local understanding
of Islam and the modern Mideast.
Her friends at UW-Green Bay expressed relief that none
of her loved ones in her home city were injured. Kudos to Prof. Kim Nielsen,
students and others for making the campus forum equal parts compassionate
gesture, powerful teaching tool and witness for global awareness.
International students and faculty enrich our campus in many ways, but
first-person connections to world events have been a recurring story line
in 2005.
We couldn’t do it without people like Dushani
and Prof. Al-Atiyat, without friendships like those between Dean Fritz
Erickson and his Pakistani counterpart Bakt Kahn, without the interpersonal
relationships that elevate international relations beyond simple business
transactions, acts of charity, or matters of national or individual self-interest.
Of course, while these few examples illustrate the
“import” side of the ledger — citizens of the world
coming to Green Bay and extending our global perspective — the “export”
side is greater still.
TO
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