91ÁÔÆæ

Conference focuses on issues facing the Americas

February 23, 2022
Just two months after earning a bachelor's degree in sociology from 91ÁÔÆæ, Bryan Rocha presented at the Conference on the Americas and addressed changes in Mexico's 1917 constitution that were later reversed.

Article By: Denise Ray

The 25th annual Conference on the Americas, hosted virtually Feb. 18-19 by the University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ), welcomed more than 120 participants. More than 80, including about 30 from 91ÁÔÆæ, served as presenters or led panel discussions, as researchers, faculty, students, and professionals explored critical issues, challenges and opportunities facing Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada.

91ÁÔÆæ's College of Arts and Letters and the Mike Cottrell College of Business served as the hosts for the event sponsored by the Americas Council and the University System of Georgia.

"The Conference on the Americas is important as it explores ways to create a multidisciplinary dialogue and to be aware of the relationships within the Americas and with other regions of the world," Dr. Alvaro Torres-Calderon, 91ÁÔÆæ associate professor of Spanish and co-chair of the event, said. "Prosperity in our own hemisphere is critical for stability. That broader goal can be achieved if we value the socio-economic, political, and cultural aspects we possess, understand our challenges and unite efforts to move forward."   

Just two months after earning a bachelor's degree in sociology from 91ÁÔÆæ, Bryan Rocha addressed changes in Mexico's 1917 constitution that were later reversed. 

The Conference on the Americas is important as it explores ways to create a multidisciplinary dialogue and to be aware of the relationships within the Americas and with other regions of the world.

Dr. Alvaro Torres-Calderon

associate professor of Spanish and event co-chair

"I am grateful for having been invited to speak at the event," Rocha said. "Dr. George Danns reached out to tell me that he wished for me to present, which served as motivation."

Danns, 91ÁÔÆæ professor of sociology and co-chair of the conference, recognized Rocha's abilities and encouraged him — and other 91ÁÔÆæ students who are doing research and writings on the Latin America and Caribbean region — to participate in the conference and present on panels with faculty and other established scholars.

"Bryan is a very good scholar who possesses an analytical mind and has a deep curiosity for learning," Danns said. "He has that ability to readily grasp the subtleties of theoretical and methodological constructs, and importantly to relate these adeptly to real-world experiences."

Topics covered at the conference included art, literature, culture, history, language, linguistics, immigration, suicide, economic challenges, teaching paradigms, study abroad programs, health care research and practices, human trafficking, democracy and power, ecology, and the environment.

"Hosting this conference is of inestimable value in further popularizing the good name and brand of 91ÁÔÆæ statewide, nationally and in the regions of the Americas," Dr. Donna Danns, professor of economics and conference co-chair, said. "It also underlines our university's commitment to diversity and a global outlook."

 


Concerto/Aria winner earns upcoming solo

Concerto/Aria winner earns upcoming solo

Five 91ÁÔÆæ students placed in the annual Concerto/Aria Competition, with two earning a solo performance in an upcoming concert.
Grads prepare for their next steps

Grads prepare for their next steps

91ÁÔÆæ will award almost 1,000 degrees and certificates this fall, and more than 600 graduates are scheduled to take part in the Dec. 7 commencement ceremonies.
Scholarships provide life-changing opportunities

Scholarships provide life-changing opportunities

Scholarships have provided life-changing opportunities for 91ÁÔÆæ students, including performing with and learning from faculty who have performed at Carnegie Hall.
Case, Hines earn first publication

Case, Hines earn first publication

A recent alumnus and a senior have earned their first peer-reviewed publication for a piece studying political rhetoric surrounding the Ukraine-Russia war.