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Student Run International Programs:
UB Celebrates International Education Week
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From November 15 to November 19 the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of States encourage universities across the United States to commemorate International Educational Week. International Education Week was initiated in November of 2000.
The University of Bridgeport commemorates International Education Week for two purposes:
First of all, in recognition and appreciation of the many international students studying at UB, which makes this institution a national treasure because of its diversity. Secondly, the University of Bridgeport commemorates International Education Week in order to emphasize the importance of overseas study, which is one of the best ways to understand the value of other languages, cultures and social systems.
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Students in Marina Dining Hall during International Education Week
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This year during International Education Week, the University held the following activities:
During the week, Marina Dining Hall had one international meal choice available at lunch for UB students to enjoy. The University's Division of International Programs set up a table at the Marina Dining Hall from 12:00 to 1:00pm where students got information on overseas study opportunities.
On Monday, November 15 at 7:00pm at the International College sponsored a talk on the topic "Why Study Abroad?" It will featured speakers from the UB faculty who shared their experiences studying abroad. During the week there were language tables set up in the Marina Dining Hall from 12:00 to 1:00pm where students had an opportunity to practice their Spanish, Korean, Japanese, French and English.
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Campaign 2004: Debate on Foreign Policy
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Monday October 18th 2004, the International College hosted a spirited debate on the foreign policies of the Bush and Kerry camps with official representatives from both parties. Representing incumbent Bush, Craig Stapleton is the former United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic and is related by way of marriage to Dorothy Bush, the president’s first cousin. Congressman James Maloney served four terms as a member of the Senate in the 6th district in Connecticut.
The Emcee, Dr. Thomas Ward, dean of the International College, welcomed everyone and introduced both speakers. Ambassador Stapleton began with a brief view of the foreign policy of the Bush administration and its strengths over what would be the policies of John Kerry’s administration. He focused on the issue of the war on terrorism and the measures President Bush has taken to address it. He brought up the fact that under Bush's presidency no further attack has taken place on American soil since September 11, 2001. He also pointed out that although it may seem that the United States and Britain have entered this alone, there are many other countries that support the endeavor in Iraq. According to the ambassador, Libya has dismantled their nuclear weapons as a way to prevent the events in Iraq from occurring in their own country. In essence, he made a case that the war in Iraq was both effective and necessary. |
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Congressman Maloney in turn made a critical analysis of the Bush administration’s term in office and concluding with the observation of a need for a more multi-lateral approach to foreign relations. He implied that the Bush Administration has misled the community and the members of Congress. Maloney based his opening statements on the fact that the Bush administration failed to beat the Al Quaeda. He also suggested that the effort in Iraq was a failure which put a strain on the country financially. It was mentioned that 90% of containers in ports are not inspected and only 2% of cargo is inspected. In essence, the current administration ignored the issue of terrorism because of the intense concentration on the situation in Iraq.
Both parties made statements that would be expected, closely following the general views of their respective parties. Following opening statements, a panel of students, faculty and professionals put to question particular issues for the representatives to address. The panelists included: Dr. Thomas Ward; Dean Tarek Sohb of the School of Engineering, Jim Nicholas, the President of the Connecticut WTA Association; Eileen Heaphy, the executive director of the World Affairs Forum and a career Foreign service officer; Jimi Baughman a senior International Political Economy and Diplomacy major and Obakeng Phiri, an IPED sophomore and president of the International Awareness Club.
Being as it was quite a heated election year, the event drew over a hundred twenty students, faculty and others from the community to the John J. Cox Student Center. Dean Ward was pleased with the “quality of the questions and felt proud of the UB student body” for their courtesy towards both speakers, regardless of sharp differences of opinion. The Congressman and Ambassadors were given honorary doctrates from the University.
Written by Tamami Kawamura and Alicia Bartley |
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UB participates in WorldQuest
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On March 25th, 2004, the University of Bridgeport was sponsored by the First National Trust Company to attend the the "2004 WorldQuest" hosted by the World Affairs Forum.
The UB team consisted of 10 participants, including eight undergraduate students (Kimikami Miyake, Sylvia Andreev, Dusan Bogunovic, Sana Sarr, Tamami Kawamura, Ablorderrey Setor, Amalia Lugojanu, and Moondo Field). The president of the University of Bridgeport (Neil A. Salonen), and professor of the International College Dr. Dave Benjamin were there to support the team. There were 22 teams present at the event. The UB team ranked in the top third, scoring highest among the colleges that participated.
WorldQuest is a fun and fast paced international group trivia contest played by world affairs councils around the country. It tests the contestants' knowledge on international affairs. |
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Will there ever be peace between Israel and Palestine?
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The International Awareness Club and the International College of the University of Bridgeport hosted a presentation on the topic "Will There Ever Be Peace Between Israel And Palestine?" by Zuhair Suidan on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2004.
Mr. Suidan brought a unique perspective to the seemingly intractable difficulties in the region and the ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict. As an American, a Palestinian, an Israeli, and an Arab Christian, Mr. Suidan's outlook has been framed by a life of many cultural and geopolitical experiences amid a varied geography. He was born in Palestine. As a young boy he became a refugee in Lebanon for 5 years, received his high school education in Israel, and his university education in the United States. |
 
Mr. Zuhair Suidan speaks to a full house at the University of Bridgeport.
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Mr. Suidan's remarks focused on the evolution of the conflict leading up to the current situation on the ground, and the likely parameters of a just and lasting peaceful settlement. He also provided his perspectives on what the Palestinians, Israelis, and the United States need to do, and what we as individuals can do, to achieve this peace.
Mr. Suidan had a 23-year professional career with IBM. Since 1993, he has headed Suidan Associates, an international management consultancy providing consulting and training services in the areas of strategy development and marketing planning. |
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Afroganza: April 9, 2005
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On Saturday April 9th from 8pm-1am the Social Room at the John J. Cox Student Center was, literally, jumping with activity. The University of Bridgeport’s African Club (UBAC) sponsored the 8th annual cultural extravaganza: Afroganza. It was a night filled with traditional African attire, skits, dancing and cuisine. One of the highlights of the evening was a comedy directed by UBAC's Zoe Udontia, a native of Nigeria.
The Master of ceremonies, Sana Sarr, summed up the event with an African saying translated into English: "A wish is like a home, be careful what you wish for, you could end up living there." The delicious food was made by Laila Belly's mother, Amina. Professor Nelson Ngoh, UBAC's advisor, commented that he was happy with the event and the turnout and UBAC member Olabode said, "I'm speechless!"
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Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative: January 2005
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In January of 2005 the University of Bridgeport and local and national non-profit organizations joined forces to launch the Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Learning and Diversity Education Initiative ("MLK Initiative" for short). Their purpose was to celebrate and honor MLK Day by learning about Dr. King's legacy of social justice and service and by putting his words into action by finding ways to contribute to the Bridgeport community. The three-week initiative, which concluded on January 31st, 2005 proved to be a great success with over 250 volunteers participating in a variety of community service projects.
One of the outstanding features of all of the programs was the diversity of the volunteers. As well as African Americans, Caucasians and Hispanics and thanks to the diverse group of UB students who joined there were volunteers from China, Nepal, Jordan, Japan, Korea, the Caribbean, Bulgaria, Spain, the Ukraine, Africa and other parts of the world. These multiracial and multiethnic teams vividly demonstrated Dr. King's dream of racial harmony. One participant from Japan, Tokuo Nishiwaki reported, "I was amazed that a simple task such as renovating an old building could bring people together. This humbling act of service was our tool along with the driving force of MLK's spirit, to break through barriers and truly realize how much we can do for others just as MLK did for America, if not the world as well. Many international students were not aware of MLK's teachings, but they came out inspired to serve."
The MLK Initiative 2005 was the kickoff for a significant commitment to community service by UB students and others, which did not end on January 31st but will continue throughout the year. Many volunteers have made a commitment to continue mentoring youth in the Roosevelt Elementary School and Hall Elementary School. Additionally, some volunteers have taken on volunteer roles to teach Life Skills, GED Preparation and other classes at the Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Center. For more information on continuing activities, please visit www.bridgeport.edu/mlk or call 203 576 4015. | Back To Top
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