Experts to discuss Russia-U.S. relations during April 26 program at ECC
Elgin Community College will host its first William Pelz Global Speaker Series event "Strange Bedfellows: A Close Look at the Russian - U. S. Relations" on Thursday, April 26.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in building E Dining Hall at the college, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
Experts John D. Schwartz and Irina Del Genio, Ph.D., will provide insights into the history and current status of relations between Russia and the U.S.
Schwartz is an alumnus of ECC who earned his master's degree from American University in Washington, D.C. He spent over 34 years as a U.S. Department of Defense analyst with expertise in Russian studies and language.
Del Genio taught at one of the largest research universities in the former Soviet Union and now serves as an associate dean at ECC. She holds a Ph.D. in Russian Studies from Ural Federal University in Russia and a Master of Arts in Political Science from Loyola University of Chicago.
"We want our students and community to see that world doesn't end at the borders of District 509," said Del Genio about the purpose of the series. "We want them to be actively engaged in the global world, and that engagement starts with an understanding of global issues and acknowledging that no country or community can solve those issues alone. We live in a world where it becomes harder and harder to distinguish truth from fiction - we want to help our students and community analyze, compare and ask hard questions in order to find the truth."
The event is sponsored by the ECC Global International Studies Team (GIST), Multicultural and Global Initiatives Committee (MAGIC) and ECC Faculty Association (ECCFA).
The William Pelz Global Speaker Series was named in memoriam of the late William Pelz, Ph.D., who taught history and political science at ECC for over 19 years. He died last December at age 66. The series will continue with new events planned for the next academic school year.
"Through thoughtful, engaging discussion on current international events, GIST, MAGIC and ECCFA aim to promote critical thought about the state of global affairs and further our understanding about the world," said Lauren Nehlsen, ECC director of International Education and Programs and GIST co-chair.
"Attendees will explore international relations and global events affecting our world in a deeper, more personal way than just reading or listening to the news," Nehlsen said.
Members of the community who are interested in learning more are highly encouraged to attend.
For additional information about the event, contact Clark Hallpike, ECC professor, MAGIC co-chair and GIST co-chair at (847) 214-7542 or challpike@elgin.edu.