Past Events

2022-2023

Spring 2023:

Putting Farmers First: Growing Democracy in North Peru

With Dr. Stacy Taninchev (International Studies and Associate Dean) and Santiago Paz, Export Manager of Co-op Norandino Peru
April 24, 2023, 12-1pm, College Commons

As part of his studies for Universidad de Piura in Peru, Santiago Paz engaged with communities that were organizing village level farmers associations. Moved by the commitment and vision of those grassroots leaders, Santiago dedicated his career to supporting democratic farmer organizations. Hosted by the International Studies Department, co-sponsored by Modern Languages and Literature and the Center for Global Engagement. Coffee and chocolate pairings by Equal Exchange will be offered!

The Death of Camilla in Galeazzo di Tarsia’s Canzoniere

With Dr. Chris Picicci, Italian Program
April 14, 2023, 12-1pm, Jepson 120 (Hogan classroom)

Join us for a discussion on Dr. Picicci's English translation of Galeazzo di Tarsia’s sonnets from his Canzoniere, a songbook in the Petrarchan tradition. The talk will consider sonnets which Tarsia wrote after the death of his wife, Camilla Carafa. Of specific interest, is the theme of pain, which reveals conspicuous parallels to Petrarch’s elegiac descriptions of the loss of his beloved Laura in his Rerum vulgarium fragmenta. Come and learn about the origin of the sonnet, how Petrarch used the poetic construction to praise and remember his beloved and how Tarsia’s lyric poetry appropriated and adapted Petrarchan elements into sixteenth-century verse.

Kwentuhan at Kultura Series 4: Kundiman, Pag-Ibig, at Ligawan (Love Song, Love and Courtship)

With Dr. Maico Aperocho, Fulbright Visiting Professor and Scholar/Filipino
Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 2:10pm, Center for Global Engagement (2nd floor Hemmingson)

This event will highlight experiences of love and courtship in the Filipino context and kundiman (love song) as an important element of any Filipino courtship practice. Mr. Dan Ubaldo will be the special guest speaker.

*Documentary: Xueta Island

With Dr. Rebecca Marquis
Saturday, February 4th at 7:00 pm, Hemmingson Auditorium

The documentary explores the fascinating legacy of the Xuetas, a unique group of families on the Balearic island of Majorca who are believed to be descendants of the island’s Inquisition-era Jewish population. Though they were practicing Catholics, the Chuetas were discriminated against up until the middle of the 20th century, always forced to marry within their subgroup population. It is estimated that there are roughly 20,000 Chuetas living on the island today. Current-day Majorca presents a compelling case study for silenced Judaism, as practicing Catholic families cite Jewish “traditions” that date back centuries, without ever being openly acknowledged or explained. Dr. Marquis will give an introduction about Jewish life in medieval Spain and the concept of Crypto-Judaism. In English, Catalan, and Spanish.

This film is made possible by the Spokane Jewish Cultural Film Festival and is co-sponsored by Modern Languages and Literature and the Jewish Bulldogs. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Marquis at marquis@gonzaga.edu.

*Film: Where Life Begins

With Drs. Semple, Zammarchi, and Marquis
Monday, February 6th at 7:00 pm, Jundt Auditorium

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish family from Aix-les-Bains, France, comes to a farm in Calabria, Italy, for a brief stay every year to carry out a sacred mission: harvesting citrons. Here Elio, the farm owner, meets Esther, the rabbi’s daughter. Through this relationship, Esther will understand the importance of freedom and find her path, and, in the same way, Elio will find the peace he had lost. Drs. Semple, Zammarchi, and Marquis will give an introduction highlighting the coming together of different languages, nationalities, and cultures in this film. In French and Italian, takes place in Italy.

*Intercultural Engagement Series events are designed to create a space for dialogue among students across our various language programs around a common theme. The dialogue allows the opportunity for students to develop the ability to demonstrate an insightful and complex understanding of the target language culture(s). See the Gonzaga Bulletin profile on this event by Georgia Cosola.

Fall 2022:

*Japanese Calligraphy

With Harumi Norasakkunkit, Japanese instructor
November 16, 4:30, Center for Global Engagement, 2nd floor

Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) is an artistic way of writing the Chinese characters using brush and black ink. The writing has a set brush stroke order for the artists to create works of beauty. Shodo is also a form of meditation. You can clear the mind and let the brush flow freely.

All-university presentation in English, all are welcome.

*Honor and Change - Saudi Culture: An expat's reflections on a new era in an ancient land

With Kenny Strickland, English Language Center instructor
November 2, 4:10, Center for Global Engagement, 2nd floor

2016 marked the end of authority of the “religious police” and the beginning of the Crown Prince’s 2030 Vision. In the years since, Saudi Arabia, a land steeped in tradition, has been swept up in a fast-moving current of cultural change.

All-university presentation in English, all are welcome.

Open House: Major/Minor, Study Abroad, Language Requirement

November 1, 5:30pm, CG 028

Study abroad, spring classes, language major or minor, advising, and more! Meet the professors of the department and asked about future classes in Chinese, Filipino, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, completing the major/minor, and how to fulfill requirements during study abroad.

*Life Along the Mekong River

With Jade Fletcher, English Language Center instructor
October 26, 4:10, Center for Global Engagement, 2nd floor

All are welcome to join us as an Evacuated Peace Corps volunteer shares her experience navigating linguistic and cultural barriers during her time serving in rural Cambodia

*Mental Health and Language Matters: The Case of Philippine Microstructure

With Dr. Maico Demi Aperocho, 2022-2023 Fulbright FLTA - Filipino
September 29, 4:10 pm, Center for Global Engagement, 2nd floor

When it comes to mental health issues, anyone can become vulnerable. This talk will focus on the depressive language used by Filipinos living in the microstructure, the stigmatized, voiceless, powerless, unsafe, and misunderstood; by delving into their language use, language experiences, and ideological representations.

All-university presentation in English, all are welcome.

Book Celebration: Enchanted Dulcinea

Featuring Dr. Rebecca Marquis
September 22, 4:00-5:15 pm,College Common Courtyard (Humanities Building)

All university presentation in English, all are welcome.

*Intercultural Engagement Series events are designed to create a space for dialogue among students across our various language programs around a common theme. The dialogue allows the opportunity for students to develop the ability to demonstrate an insightful and complex understanding of the target language culture(s). See the Gonzaga Bulletin profile on this event by Georgia Cosola.

2021-2022

Middle Eastern and North African Cultures

With Alexander Porada (International Studies/French) and Dr. Isabelli
April 22, 3:00pm, Zoom: https://gonzaga.zoom.us/j/5093136723

Alexander Porada, is hosting a forum for a conversation on Middle Eastern/North African culture and intercultural competency. An additional goal of the event to explore whether there might be sufficient interest in Arabic language to offer Arabic 101 again.

100 Years of… the Madrigal Family? Magical Realism in Disney’s Encanto

With Dr. Alec Schumacher
April 4, 4pm Pacific Zoom

The directors of Disney’s film Encanto looked for inspiration in various aspects of Colombian culture, especially the Magical Realist literary style made famous by Nobel prize winner Gabriel García Márquez. The film may leave spectators wondering how authentic the engagement is with Colombian literature. Is the film Magical Realism or just Disney magic? Attend this event to learn about Magical Realism, discuss the film, and decide for yourself.

Language Proficiency and Cultural Competence as Career Enhancers

With Dr. Ben Semple, Dr. Torunn Haaland, and Jonathan Byers
March 21, 2022, 12pm Pacific, Zoom

Join us for a joint panel with Gonzaga Alumni for Phi Sigma Iota and the International Studies Department with alumni participants John VerWey, Leah Fayal, Joseph Harshbarger and Patrick Spencer-Rios. Jonathan Byers will be speaking from his perspective as an expert in career counseling.

Open House: Major/Minor, Study Abroad, Language Requirement

March 28, 4:30pm, Zoom

Study abroad, fall classes language major or minor, advising, and more! Meet the professors of the department and asked about future classes in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Tagalog, completing the major/minor, and how to fulfill requirements during study abroad.

North American Language and Culture Assistants Program - info session

With Dr. Isabelli, Kelly Nisbet ('21), and Javier Montero Pozo (Education Advisor, Agregaduría de Educación en Los Ángeles)
January 31, 2022, 4:30pm, email isabelli@gonzaga.edu for the recording of the session

Come hear about the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP), an educational outreach initiative of the Education Office of the Embassy of Spain along with the Ministry of Education of Spain. NALCAP falls under the category of public diplomacy programs. Award recipients fulfill the role of a cultural ambassador through the promotion of their language and culture. As such, the role of NALCAP assistants is to encourage students in Spain to broaden their knowledge of the language and culture of the United States of America. Positions are offered all across Spain, running from October 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023. NALCAP recipients receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses of 700 to 1000 euros and medical insurance. Hours of assistant teaching range from 12 to 16 hours per week.

Applying to Graduate School: What to Expect, How to Prepare

With Dr. Benjamin Semple and Dr. Torunn Haaland
December 7, 5 pm, virtual

The International Studies Program and Phi Sigma Iota of the Department of Modern Languages and Literature (MLL) are organizing a panel on applying to graduate school. Several faculty members and recent GU graduates will share their experiences and insight about the application process: how to research graduate programs, what to expect when you apply, how to choose a program, what to expect from graduate studies. The focus of the panel will be on applications to programs in Public Policy, International Affairs, International Studies, Languages and Literatures, and other INST-related or MLL-related areas.

If you have questions about the event, contact Dr. Semple (semple@gonzaga.edu) or Dr. Haaland (haaland@gonzaga.edu) who are co-organizing the event.

The Filipino Identity and the Philippine English*

With Dr. Leo Rayon Jr., 2020-2021 Fulbright FLTA - Tagalog
November 16, 4:10 pm, Center for Global Engagement, 2nd floor

All-university presentation in English, all are welcome

In its nature, Philippine English is a result of the Filipinos linguistic curiosity and creativity, making it a legitimate nativized variety of English in the world. This talk outlines how the Filipino identity is shaped by Philippine English and vice-versa. As Philippine English strives on becoming a legitimate variety of English in the arena of World Englishes, this talk will also define the unique features of the Filipino linguistic and cultural identities and how Filipinos, as English-speaking people, develop and demonstrate their perceptions in speaking English as a second language.

Career Ready session - Tips for Effectively Communicating your Professional Skills & Engagement with Recruiters

With Sam Cole of E & J Gallo Winery, lunch provided
November 12, 12-1pm, College Common, 1st floor of Humanities Building. RSVP easterling@gonzaga.edu for lunch count.

Open House: Major/Minor, Study Abroad, Language Requirement

November 3rd, 4:15pm, Zoom

Study abroad, spring classes, language major or minor, advising, and more! Meet the professors of the department and asked about future classes in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Tagalog, completing the major/minor, and how to fulfill requirements during study abroad.

Career Ready session - Humanities in Translation: Expressing your Humanities Degree for Job-seeking and Professional Next Steps

With Jonathan Byers, Director of Career Education and Dr. Heather Easterling
October 29, 12-1pm, College Common, 1st floor of Humanities Building. Lunch provided. RSVP easterling@gonzaga.edu for lunch count.

Día de los Muertos activity - Spanish Language Club

With Nate Remcho ('22) and Arturo García
October 28, 5-7pm, hallway in front of College Hall 031

Come help us decorate the traditional Día de los Muertos 'altar', make sugar skulls and Ojo de Dios crafts. All are welcome.

Cultural Engagement Scavenger Hunt Bingo*

With Diane Birginal, Senior Lecturer - Spanish
October 27, 4:10pm, hallway in front of College Hall 031

All-university event in English, all are welcome

Explore the world without leaving College Hall! Join us for a scavenger hunt bingo game that will take you to different places as you learn about cultures around the world. Students will work in teams to figure out the clues on their cards. Prizes will be awarded! There will be candy!

Mujeres en cómics

With Dr. Conrado Zepeda-Pallares
October 26, 12:30pm, Joann Jundt Lounge, Hemmingson Center

Join the Spanish 301 Advanced Spanish class to see and enjoy students' products. The purpose of this activity is to present comics that address the lives of women (historical or fictional) created by the students. This activity is part of the celebration of Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities. In class, we are firm believers that art overcomes violence. Even though the comics are made entirely in Spanish, the explanations will be both Spanish and English. Don’t miss it! Contact: zepeda-pallares@gonzaga.edu

Algeria, The Undiscovered Treasure*

With Dr. Hafidha Ayat, 2019-2021 Fulbright FLTA - Arabic
October 7th, 4:10pm, all-university presentation in English

Join us to get to know more about one of the most underrated and hidden cultural gems in the world “Algeria”. It is a unique entity which is a result of the succession of several human civilizations; the Berber, Roman, Phoenician, Arabic and Islamic, Ottoman, even some mysterious prehistoric civilizations dating back to 30 thousand years.

All are welcome to join us as an Evacuated Peace Corps volunteer shares her experience navigating linguistic and cultural barriers during her time serving in rural Cambodia

Open House: Major/Minor, Study Abroad, Language Requirement

November 1, 5:30pm, CG 028

*Honor and Change - Saudi Culture: An expat's reflections on a new era in an ancient land

With Kenny Strickland, English Language Center instructor
November 2, 4:10, Center for Global Engagement, 2nd floor

All-university presentation in English, all are welcome.

2020-2021

Celebrating Black History Month - The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures is hosting two events to honor Black History Month. Our invited speaker for both events is Mr. Fred Kuwornu, an Italian-Ghanaian documentary film director and activist who examines issues pertinent to the African diaspora and the particular situation of children of immigrants in Italy while also promoting the importance of multiculturalism, diversity and equity in Italy and Europe at large. We are appreciative of the co-sponsorships of: the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, Community & Equity, the Faculty Senate Speakers Series, the Center for Global Engagement, the Departments of International Studies and Modern Languages and Literature, and Italian Studies

Black Italians and Digital Culture in Contemporary Italy, with guest filmmaker and activist, Fred Kudjo Kuwornu moderated by Dr. Torunn Haaland, Wednesday, February 10th, 12pm on Zoom - student-oriented interactive talk in Italian. In recent years social media have become the main platform where new artistic talents but also black activists are imposing themselves in Italian culture. This multimedia lecture explores the role of Black girls in Italy and their contribution in a variety of fields including the world-renowned Italian fashion and beauty industries, the role of Black artists in the music and entertainment industry. Social Media Entrepreneurship has emerged as an important strategy for Afro-Italians seeking to advance new narratives about Blackness and its inclusion within the material and symbolic boundaries of Italy. At the same time, Afro-Italian entrepreneurship is transforming Italian material culture, and, by extension, the meanings of Italianness itself

Black Lives Matter in Italy and the legacy of Colonialism, with guest filmmaker and activist, Fred Kudjo Kuwornu, moderated by Dr. Torunn Haaland, Friday, February 12th, 12pm on Zoom - all-university presentation in English. This multimedia lecture aims to give a reasoned answer considering the nature of US institutional systemic racism structurally and statistically different from the Italian one, offering the audience of the event a cultural and semantic framework to interpret the current condition in Italy with the contest of the past of Italian Colonialism. When was racism born in Italy? Who are the Afro-Italian activists? Which is the composition and history of Black Italy? Is there any collective memory of the Italian past? On which battle is black activism in Italy engaged?

Lost in Translation, With Dr. Hafidha Ayat, Fulbright FLTA, February 16th, 4:10pm on Zoom. Come learn about words, phrases, concepts, and gestures from the Arabic language/culture which are so much used on a day-to-day basis, yet DO NOT TRANSLATE into U.S. English and culture.

Student Experiences in Chile Fall 2019, with Professor Kelley Bishop with Hannah Presken ('22), March 9th, 4pm on Zoom. While abroad in Fall 2019, a revolution broke out in Chile due to decades of inequality and the continued aftermath of the Pinochet dictatorship. Come listen to Hannah Presken ('22) talk about her experiences with the events leading up to the revolt, their lives during a revolution, what is happening now, and how this relates to current issues that the US is facing. Through this talk, you will learn how you can help support the revolution with your education of the topic and in turn, gain a larger world view by first person experiences.

Out of the Classroom and Into the Community: Immersion at Gonzaga in Florence, with Professor Henry Batterman with Erin Schultheis (Study Abroad Advisor), March 17th, 4pm on Zoom, Gonzaga in Florence offers a wide range of cultural and linguistic activities, ranging from visiting an Italian family once a week, “English for Pasta”, to attending an opera or a professional soccer game. Gonzaga students might play basketball with Italians, meet Italian university students, volunteer in a halfway house or intern with local businesses. The goal is to provide a variety of extracurricular activities designed to appeal to a broad cross section of Gonzaga students.

Poetry Month: How to Write an Ode like Neruda, with Dr. Alec Schumacher, April 7th, 4pm on Zoom - Celebrate National Poetry Month with us by participating in a writing workshop on the poetry of the everyday. Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda cultivated many styles of poetry during his storied career, including deceivingly simple odes that extol quotidian objects, revealing their sublime nature. In "Ode to the Onion", he writes: "I have praised everything that exists, but to me, onion, you are more beautiful than a bird of dazzling feathers, heavenly globe, platinum goblet, unmoving dance of the snowy anemone." Please join us to enjoy more of Neruda's poetry and try your hand at elevating the mundane in this workshop.

Major/minor, language requirement, study abroad information session, April 12th at 4:10 pm on Zoom. Meet the professors of the departments and ask about future classes, the language requirement, completing the major/minor, and how to fulfill requirements during study abroad.

The session will be broken up into groups depending on your interest, including:
* languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Tagalog
* majors: French, International Studies, Italian Studies, Spanish
* minors: French, German, International Studies, Italian, Italian Studies, Spanish
* the College of Arts and Sciences language requirement
* studying abroad

Collective Music in Italy during Lockdown With Dr. Torunn Haaland, Tuesday, September 22nd, 4:00 p.m. Join us for a virtual conversation about how Italian communities found closeness in national music during lockdown, and the role music may have in bringing people together across barriers and borders.

Independence Celebrations in Latin America, with Prof. Arturo García Osorio, Thursday, October 1st, 4:10 p.m. Come and join us for a virtual conversation about celebrations of independence in Latin America as well as the pandemic. Conversations in English guided by student enrolled in Spanish classes (Garrett Lim and Sydney Fluker).

A Focus on the Philippines, with Prof. Reymund Paclibar Lara, Fulbright FLTA, Thursday, October 8th, 4:10 p.m. Have you dreamed of one day visiting the Philippines and experiencing for yourself why it's more fun in the Philippines? If you're craving the rays of the golden sun, getting to know the warm and friendly Filipinos, and desiring to visit the budget-friendly and unique natural wonders, then the Philippines is your dream paradise. Having been colonized by Spain, the US, and Japan, the Philippines is a melting pot of different cultures, food, and vibrant festivals. We invite you to attend to discover more!

Día de la Raza: Celebration of Indigenous Cultures in Latin America, with Dr. Alec Schumacher. Monday, October 12th, 12:00 p.m. Many cities and states in the U.S. have stopped celebrating Columbus Day because of the kidnapping, slavery, and other abuses that Columbus committed, in addition to the legacy of colonialism and genocide of originary peoples. In Latin America this day has many names and is celebrated for different reasons: In Mexico, it is called Día de la Raza, in Argentina, Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural, in Bolivia, Día de la Descolonialización, and in Nicaragua, Día de la Resistencia Indígena. In line with these ways of thinking, this event will raise awareness of the Latin American perspectives of October 12 by celebrating the indigenous cultures of Latin America. See our Facebook images.

Cooking Class with the Spanish Club, with Prof. Arturo García Osorio and Spanish Club President, Nate Remcho. Nate will be showing us how to make Tortilla de Patatas and Prof. García Osorio will be making Tostadas. Buy the ingredients ahead of time so you can cook at the same time! Monday, November 2nd, 4:00 p.m. See our Facebook images

What did I learn in Cuernavaca, Mexico? Student Forum with Dr. Luis García-Torvisco, Wednesday, November 11th, 12:00 p.m.: Students who attended our long-standing Gonzaga in Cuernavaca (Mexico) program will discuss what they learned about Mexican culture and about themselves. Everybody is welcome to join us and participate in the conversation.

Language and Identity: Judge What I have to Say, Not How I Say It Miguel Acosta Loza ('23), Campus Inclusivity Coordinator, Gonzaga Student Body Association with Dr. Isabelli and in collaboration with Gonzaga's Unity Multicultural Education Center (UMEC), November 17th, 6-7:30pm. The event is an informative panel in which 5 experts in the field share a 10-15-minute intervention about the extent to which language has become the back door to discrimination. After the intervention of the panelists, there will be a short Q and A session. The speaker list is as follows:

Carrie Gillon: Co-host of the Vocal Fries Podcast
Valerie Fridland: Professor of Linguistics and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Nevada
Tej Krishan Bhatia: Professor of Linguistics & Forensic Sciences at Syracuse University
Megan Figueroa: Co-host of the Vocal Fries Podcast Research Scientist at the University of Arizona
Caroline Myrick: Former faculty at North Carolina State University that currently works for state government.

2019 - 2020

Colombia, Identidades y diferencias - Alternativas policardinales a los diseños del mundo único...in slow Spanish: September 11, College Hall 028 - Alfredo Gutiérrez Borrero (School of Product Design, Jorge Tadeo Lozano University) talked about the dynamics in which he is immersed in today's Colombia: cities, education in social sciences, arts and design, social processes, post-conflict, indigenous and Afro-campesina communities, cultures of reparation, alternatives to tourism and ways to recover neighborhood’s life.

Ethnicity, Race, and Indigenous Peoples (ERIP) Conference: September 12-14, 2019 - The ERIP 2019 Conference, co-organized by Dr. Rebecca Stephanis, provided an opportunity for academics, graduate students, activists and practitioners in all the relevant disciplines to present panel, paper, and poster proposals on issues related to ERIP’s mission and areas of interest in the study of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Americas. More information here.

Center for Global Engagement: September 26th - Bocce Ball Tournament with Florence Scholars

College of Arts and Sciences: October 9th, College Hall 048 - Come hear a brief presentation about the College of Arts and Sciences language requirement and about how you can fulfill that during your time at Gonzaga. For faculty advisors.

Irish Gaelic and Culture Class: October 22nd, College Hall, Room 241 - Interested in learning some Irish language phrases and learning about the Irish culture? At this "Pop Up Gaeilge" class students learned some new words and facts. For more information, contact Deirdre Murphy, Fulbright Foreign Language Teacher.

Hispanic, Latino, Latinx? Which one should I use?: October 23rd, Gonzaga School of Law, Room 143 - Want to know more about why the Hispanic Law Caucus changed its name? The Latina/o Law Student Association invited Arturo Garcia-Osorio, Lecturer of Modern Languages & Literature—Spanish, to present on the differences between "Hispanic" and "Latino". He also addressed the move towards the use of the word Latinx, a more inclusive and gender neutral term. They had tacos from Taqueria Guerrero.

Irish Gaelic and Culture Class: October 29th, College Hall, Room 241 - Those interested in learning some Irish language phrases and learning about the Irish culture came along to a "Pop Up Gaeilge" class and learned some new words and facts. For more information, contact Deirdre Murphy, Fulbright Foreign Language Teacher.

First Friday Forum, TESOL Program with Modern Languages & Literature: November 2 - GU Writing Center in Foley. Language learning in context - variables that affect second language development - Dr. Christina Isabelli. Tech Time: Ali Asiri, Adjunct Faculty

Information Session: November 5th, College Hall, Room 028 - Study abroad, spring classes, language major or minor, advising, and more! Attendees met the professors of the department and asked about future classes, completing the major/minor, & how to fulfill requirements during study abroad. Light refreshments included.
Contact: Dr. Isabelli, Chair, Isabelli@gonzaga.edu

Book Presentation: November 12th, Humanities Building, Room 153 - Drs. Barbara Boyer ("French in a Flash: Grammar and Vocabulary Fundamentals", McFarland Press, 2018) and Alec Schumacher (Translation of "The Chilean Flag" by E. Hernández, Kenning Editions, 2019) presented their process/inspiration/content of their newly published books.

International Education Week: November 18th, The COG - Attendees met the Modern Languages and Literature faculty, tested their knowledge, and learned about our language programs.

Career Paths for Language Learners: November 20th, Crosby First Floor - Dr. Leslie Cornick, EWU Associate Dean, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; Dr. Jennifer Kalisvaart, Pediatrician, Providence Sacred Heart; Scott McGrew, Senior Localization Specialist at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories; Dr. James Hupp, Vice Dean for Student and Faculty Experience, Elson S Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University.

Gonzaga-in-Florence Scholars Social: Let's Play Briscola (Italian Card Game): December 4, 2019 - with Dr. Christina Isabelli

Study Abroad Information Session: February 19, 2020

Gonzaga-in-Florence Scholars Social: Let's Make Spaghetti!: February 29, 2020 - with Dr. Christina Isabelli

Mardi Gras and Modern Languages and Literature Information Session: March 4th, Hemmingson Rotunda

Major/Minor Information Session: April 1st, 4 p.m., College Hall 028 - Study abroad, spring classes, language major or minor, advising, and more! Met the professors of the department and asked about future classes, completing the major/minor, & how to fulfill requirements during study abroad. Light refreshments were included. Contact: Dr. Isabelli, Chair, Isabelli@gonzaga.edu

2018 - 2019

Japanese Cultural Night: Nov. 8th, Hemmingson 314 - Met visiting students from Osaka Jikei College - dinner was provided!

International Education Week: Nov 12th - 15th, Hemmingson Rotunda
Met the Modern Languages and Literature faculty, tested our knowledge, and learned about our language programs.

Colombia Skype exchanges: Dr. Rebecca Stephanis coordinated an exchange with Gonzaga Spanish language students and Javeriana students in Colombia for ongoing Skype interaction.

Gonzaga-in-Florence Scholars lecture: October 31st, 2018 -"Che cosa sapete dell'Italia" with Dr. Torunn Haaland.

Sierra Golden, informal Q&A: October 18th - Our Spanish major alum shared her experiences as a Spanish major, her study abroad experience in Granada, her fundraising/communications experiences for an immigrant and workers rights nonprofit in Seattle, and read poems from her new book that links directly to her experiences with Spanish and traveling. include attached pictures

Modern Languages and Literature at ZagFam weekend: October 6, 2018 - "Getting Global with Music" with Professors Ute Perz, Torunn Haaland, Ben Semple, Luis García-Torvisco and Christina Isabelli

Gonzaga-in-Florence Scholars Social: Gelato!: October 6, 2018 - with Dr. Gabriella Brooke,

TESOL Program's First Friday Forum. October 5, 2018 - Dr. Barbara Boyer presented her new book "Rewriting Language Structures: French in a Flash"

Gonzaga-in-Florence Scholars extra-curricular event: Learning about and playing BOCCE! September 20, 2018

Mardi Gras and Modern Languages and Literature Information Session: March 4th, Hemmingson Rotunda

Phi Sigma Iota Initiation Ceremony: March 31st, Hemmingson 314 - Language students were inducted into the international foreign language honor society

Major/Minor Information Session: April 1st, 4 p.m., College Hall 028 - Study abroad, spring classes, language major or minor, advising, and more! Met the professors of the department and asked about future classes, completing the major/minor, & how to fulfill requirements during study abroad. Light refreshments were included.
Contact: Dr. Isabelli, Chair, Isabelli@gonzaga.edu

German Academic Exchange (DAAD) rep, Hanni Geist: April 8th, College Hall 036 - Information on scholarships, internships, or research opportunities in Germany. Both student information session and faculty information session.

The Venezuela Crisis...in slow Spanish,(Modern Languages tutoring center): April 5th, College Hall 028 - Informal presentation, in slow Spanish, on the Venezuelan Crisis. Our invited guest speaker was Carely Villanueva Cordova. Q&A in both Spanish and English.
Contact: Nate Remcho ('22), nremcho@zagmail.gonzaga.edu

Modern Languages and Literature Student Recognition Ceremony: May 6, Jundt Lounge & Hemmingson

Association of Departments of Foreign Languages (ADFL) Summer Seminar West: May 22-25, 2019 - Davenport Grand, Spokane WA

2017 - 2018

Spanish Study Abroad Information Session: May 3 2018, College Hall, Room 028 - Information about studying abroad in various Spanish-speaking countries from a student's perspective. Modern Languages and Literature's Spanish Program - Spanish study abroad information session.

Student Recognition Ceremony: May 7 2018, Jundt Lounge & Hemmingson Center - Modern Languages and Literature graduating student recognition ceremony.

Honorary Society Initiation Ceremony: Modern Languages and Literature held an initiation ceremony for students being inducted into two honor societies associated with the department: Phi Sigma Iota, a national honorary society that recognizes outstanding accomplishment in the study (major/minor) of any of the academic fields related to foreign language, literature, or culture; Japanese National Honor Society recognizes and encourages achievement and excellence in the study of the Japanese language.

Career Paths for Language Learners: April 25 2018, 4:00 p.m. Crosby Career Center - Attendees learned about what they can do with their language skills after graduation. The Modern Languages and Literature Department's Career Paths for Language Learners led this panel! Made possible with a Faculty Career Programming Grant from the Career Center.

Katie Nollenberger - Center for Global Engagement Program Coordinator: post-baccalaureate research and teaching abroad.
Dr. Meagan Ciesla - Gonzaga Fulbright Advisor & Assistant Professor of English: Research and English Teaching Assistant opportunities abroad.
Scott McGrew - Localization Supervisor for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories.
Dr. Jennifer Kalisvaart, MD - local pediatric doctor.

GEL weekend for prospective students: April 14 2018, - Modern Languages and Literature mini-introductory lessons in Arabic, French, and Japanese with Professors Ali Asiri, Barbara Boyer, and Seiko Katsushima.

Japan Day: April 10 2018, Hemmingson Rotunda - The attendees of Japanese Culture Day made origami and calligraphy. Sponsored by the Center for Global Engagement and the Department of Modern Languages and Literature's Japanese Program.

College of Arts and Sciences, Language Requirement Information Session: April 5 2018, Jundt Auditorium - Attendees got all their language requirement questions answered at this informal information session. Diane Birginal, Senior Lecturer and Language Requirement Testing Coordinator, led the language requirement information session. Light refreshments provided.

Spanish major/minor Information Session: April 5 2018, College Hall 028 - Department of Modern Languages and Literature's Spanish Program faculty held an informal major/minor information session on the requirements for the major and minor, courses offered next academic year, and how study abroad can help fulfill the requirements.

"Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth": April 4 2018, 6:30 p.m. Wolff Auditorium - Dr. Rebecca Stephanis introduced the film "Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth" (2011, Frauke Sandig and Eric Black, Directors). The remote homelands of the present-day Maya in Mexico and Guatemala present a perfect microcosm to show how unhindered globalization is impacting the planet and indigenous peoples. The film was hosted by Laura Marck, part of the Good Food Gonzaga club, dedicated to sustainability and food.