Campus Connection

UWL joins in community event that showcases Coulee Region's global connections, more

Global Initiatives Week kicked off Friday, Nov. 4 with a global celebration of dance, art, music and film at Myrick Park in La Crosse. The week continues through Friday, Nov. 11, with events throughout the La Crosse community, including UW-La Crosse. Events aim to highlight the Coulee Region’s connections with communities around the world; educate about global issues; and spark for conversations, ideas and initiatives. It also seeks to motivate people to become involved in global issues, improve the community through increased cultural competency and contribute to the region’s economic growth. [caption id="attachment_47302" align="alignright" width="350"] The event kickoff included art, dance, music, food and film. Global Initiatives Week aims to educate about global issues; and spark for conversations, ideas and initiatives.[/caption] UWL Junior Youmiao Li, an international student from China, says the benefit of studying abroad at UWL has been not just education, but also cultural interaction. The UWL English major will present on the topic of business in China during a Cultural Coffee Hour at 5 p.m. as part of Global Initiatives Week. "I want my presentation to be helpful for business major students who are coming to the coffee hour, and will have a chance to do international business with China in the future," says Li. The Cultural Coffee Hour programming continues this semester at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15 and at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6. UWL faculty and staff helped plan global initiatives sevents and the campus is hosting many. It is important for UWL to participate in the Global Initiatives Week on multiple levels, says Miranda Panzer, UWL international student advisor who is on the organizing committee. “For students, faculty, staff and community members who are unable to go overseas, this is a way for them to be introduced to cultures from around the world,” she says. “Living in a global community has increased our need to understand one another. By having opportunities like this, you are able to develop new perspectives that you can take with you.”

Upcoming events happening at UWL as part of Global Initiatives Week include:

• Hmong Motherhood Cultural Influences on Parenting Styles — 2:15- 3:40 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, Cameron Hall of Nations, Centennial Hall
• Ultra-American: A Patriot Act starring Azhar Usman, American Muslim Comedian — 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition
• Conversations with Economists: Impacts of International Trade and Globalization — 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, Graff Main Hall Auditorium
• Cultural Coffee Hour — 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, Cameron Hall of Nations, Centennial Hall
• Economic Justice as a General Education Course — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, 150 Murphy Library
• College of Business International Faculty Panel — 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, Cameron Hall of Nations, Centennial Hall
• World Services Delegation from Kosovo — 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, Cameron Hall of Nations, Centennial Hall

Learn about these and many more of the week's events at www.explorelacrosse.com/global/