Community invited to celebrate week of global engagement 

November 7, 2019 - The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is hosting a weeklong series of activities and events as part of International Education Week, Nov. 18-22. The Summit on International Education and Engagement features internationally recognized speakers and performers, as well as university faculty, staff and student groups.

“This unique event is a celebration of UW-River Falls’ commitment to international education and activities,” said Heidi Soneson, assistant vice chancellor of international education and executive director of the Office of International Education. “The event highlights the importance of international engagement for the university and its faculty, staff and students. It is also a celebration of our commitment to community engagement with our university.”

Events will be occurring throughout each day and during the evenings. Most events are free and open to the public. A few of the week’s activities are included below. For a complete list of the more than 30 activities taking place, visit go.uwrf.edu/summit

“They Call Me Q,” Monday, Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m., Davis Theatre, Kleinpell Fine Arts. Qurrat Ann Kadwani searches for identity in her autobiographical one-woman show. This is the story of a girl from Bombay growing up in the Boogie Down Bronx who gracefully seeks balance between cultural pressure and acceptance into the American culture. Free and open to the public.

Ceilidh Dancing - Traditional Scottish Dancing, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m., Falcon’s Nest, University Center. Participants will learn a few of the most popular dances such as the Dashing White Sergeant, Gay Gordons, Brittania Two-Step, and Strip the Willow. Free and open to the public.

Teaching Kitchen, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2-4 p.m. or 5-7 p.m., Falls Room, University Center. Interactive Teaching Kitchen featuring food and recipes from Somalia. Free and open to the public. Register at go.uwrf.edu/summit

Featured Keynote: Ann Bancroft, Thursday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m., Abbott Concert Hall, Kleinpell Fine Arts. Explorer Ann Bancroft, the first known woman to cross the ice to reach both the north and south poles and a U.S. National Women's Hall of Fame inductee, will speak. Free and open to the public.

Horses, Heifers, and a Whole Bunch More, Friday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Mann Valley Farm, 129 S. Glover Road, River Falls. Bring the family to the farm and learn about the various species and breeds of animals that were originally developed all over the world. Free and open to the public.

In addition to celebrating International Education Week, the Summit also marks the completion of the university’s eight-year Pathway to Distinction Strategic Plan. The plan was developed to ensure that the university is prepared to meet current and future global challenges and opportunities.

“This historic event reminds us of the importance of building understanding through engagement and strong partnerships,” said UWRF Chancellor Dean Van Galen. “We are grateful to all who share our commitment to international education and our mission to help prepare students to be engaged citizens and leaders with a global perspective. The summit reflects internationalization at its finest.” 

Free parking for guests coming to summit events is available in Pay Lot 1 (corner of 2^nd and Spring streets, near North Hall) Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Nov. 18-22 only. 

For more information, email internationalsummit@uwrf.edu or call 715-425-3911.