The second-annual Latin American Studies Week will begin at 5 p.m. Monday in the Dulany Inn of Davies Center with a speech by an Ohio University professor. But before it does, organizers will dedicate the week to a former UW-Eau Claire mathematics professor.
Eberth Alarcon, 40, who died Sept. 26 following a battle with leukemia, “was a very active and longtime member of the LAS program,” said assistant professor and Latin American Studies committee member Manuel Fernandez.
Another member, assistant professor Fabiola Varela-Garcia, agreed that Alarcon was active and full of life – and that his life should be celebrated.
“This year, we really would like to make that very, very special, because he was,” she said.
This year’s events will begin with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m., during which Thomas Walker of Ohio University will give a speech entitled “Latin America in the Talons of the Eagle: Reflections of a Grumpy Old Academic.”
“His theme is a bit more global,” said associate professor and event co-chair Carter Smith. “It’s about relations – political, cultural, economic – between the United States and Latin America.”
Fernandez said that listening to the speech and attending roundtable presentations and discussions throughout the week are ways people can familiarize themselves with Latin America.
“Not everybody in the community has taken classes, so it’s one way – without them taking a class – to learn about that,” he said.
Avin said that, through the week, the LAS committee intends to provide a forum for people to exchange ideas and to increase the awareness of foreign culture on campus. Varela-Garcia said the forum is also aligned with Chancellor Brian Levin-Stankevich’s “special focus on diversity.”
It also is intended to bridge the gap between the community and the university, she said.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to . get them interested enough to come,” she said of community members, “and they can enrich discussions from their own perspectives and experience.”
Latin American Studies Week schedule of events
Monday
5 to 7 p.m. – “Latin America in the Talons of the Eagle: Reflections of a Grumpy Old Academic.” Features Thomas Walker of Ohio University. Dulany Inn. Davies Center.
Tuesday
4 to 5:30 p.m. – Roundtable discussion: “Bolivia: Perspectives of Bolivian Students Currently at UWEC.” Presidents Room, Davies Center.
Wednesday
4 to 5:30 p.m. – Research project presentations. Feature seniors Eric Duwe and Marcy Reynolds. Tamarack Room, Davies Center.
Thursday, Oct. 12
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Sabor Latino Buffet Luncheon. Dulany Inn, Davies Center.
6 to 7:30 p.m. – Roundtable discussion: “Volunteering, Service-Learning and Internship Possibilities in Latin America.” Alumni Room, Davies Center.
Friday, Oct. 13
7 to 10 p.m. – Latin American dance. Higherground.
All events are free and open to the public.
