Global Events and Newsletter

Get Globally Engaged this Week!—a weekly email of opportunities to get globally engaged.

OCTOBER 2018

Thursday, October 18

  • Fall Lecture Series: Oman—7 to 8:15 p.m. in the Grand Valley University, Seidman College of Business Multi-purpose Room, 50 Front Ave, SW Grand Rapids, hosted by the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. This talk about Oman will be led by Dr. Fahad Bishara from the University of Virginia. Free. 

Saturday, October 20

  • Great Stories Club: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas—4 to 6 p.m. at the Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative "Safe Space", 1249 Portage St., Kalamazoo, hosted by Kalamazoo Public Library and Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation. Join us for discussion of identity, social justice, and community, based around the remarkable book The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Free. 

Monday, October 22

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the Bernhard Center Global Lounge, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.

Tuesday, October 23

  • ARTbreak Talk: Japanese Contemporary Ceramics—noon to 1 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA), 314 S Park St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the KIA. Ceramist Julie Devers will discuss the works and artists featured in the exhibition The Way Forward and how today's artists have adhered to and adapted the traditional Japanese aesthetic for a contemporary audience. Free.
  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the Bernhard Center Global Lounge, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.
  • Ladies Sports Club—2:30 to 3:30 at the Student Recreation Center, hosted by International Student Activities. Exercise with women from around the world through yoga, body strength training, and more. Classes will meet at 2:25 at the Student Recreation help desk prior to each meeting: Free. 
  • Stages on the Path to Enlightenment—7 to 8:30 p.m.  In the People's Church Room 9, 1758 N Tenth St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the People's Church. Ongoing class on a Tibetan Buddhist text that lays out an extensive road map to spiritual understanding and fulfillment. Free.

Wednesday, October 24

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.
  • Seeking Access, Togetherness and Meaning, interactive presentation—3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Adrian Trimpe Multicultural Center, hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the WMU College Assistance Migrant Program. Campus community members will discuss their experiences with migrant farm work, family, and college access. Free. 
  • "Invisible Salt and Urban Dead Seas: Who is Responsible?" talk—4 p.m. at the Bernhard Center Room 157-159, hosted by the Center for the Study of Ethics, the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, and the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. Talk will be led by Carla Koretsky, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Free
  • Fall Lecture Series: Qatar—7 to 8:15 p.m. in the Grand Valley University, Seidman College of Business Multi-purpose Room, 50 Front Ave, SW Grand Rapids, hosted by the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. This talk about Qatar will be led by the U.S Ambassador for Qatar, Chase Untermeyer (ret.). $15 per event or $30 for series pass. 

Thursday, October 25

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.
  • Light Lecture: Considering Contemporary Chinese Art in a Global Context—6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA), 314 S Park St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the KIA. China's growing prominence on the world stage has had a profound effect on the development of the country's arts and culture. Michelle Yun, Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Asia Society, New York, will discuss trends in contemporary Chinese art. Price included with museum admission.

Sunday, October 28

  • "The Way Forward-Asian Works" Sunday tour—2 to 3 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA), 314 S Park St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the KIA. We seek and acquire new works to expand not just our holdings, but our understanding and appreciation of the culture of the American experience, along with global perspectives of life from around the world. Included with museum admission.
  • White Tara Practice for Healing and Longevity, workshop—4:30 p.m. at the People's Church, 1758 N. 10th St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the People's Church.  Presenting a workshop on the practice of White Tara - a deity associated with compassionate action and in particular physical healing and longevity. Participants will learn visualization techniques associated with balancing the body’s elements and rejuvenating one’s energetic life-force. Free.
  • WMU International Halloween Dance—7 to 11 p.m. in the Bernhard Student Center, hosted by WMU International, CELCIS and the WMU Campus Activities Board. Bring your friends and dress up in your favorite costumes for this fun themed party on campus, featuring music with DJ, a costume contest and free food. Free.

Monday, October 29

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the Bernhard Center Global Lounge, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.

Tuesday, October 30

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the Bernhard Center Global Lounge, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.
  • "In the Shadows of the American Century: The Rise and Decline of U.S Global Power," ethics book club—4 p.m. at Water Street Coffee Joint, 3037 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, hosted by the Center for the Study of Ethics in Society. Dr. William Santiago-Valles, WMU associate professor emeritus of Africana studies, will be leading discussions of Alfred McCoy's novel. Free: Registration required. 
  • "Race and Education in in America" Community meeting—6 p.m. at Miller Auditorium, hosted by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Talk will be given by Nikole Hannah-Jones, author, investigative journalist and MacArthur Genius Grant Fellow. Free; registration required.  
  • Stages on the Path to Enlightenment—7 to 8:30 p.m.  In the People's Church Room 9, 1758 N Tenth St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the People's Church. Ongoing class on a Tibetan Buddhist text that lays out an extensive road map to spiritual understanding and fulfillment. Free.

Wednesday, October 31

  • Fulbright Abroad Speaker Series—noon to 1 p.m. in 3120 Sangren Hall, hosted by the Global and International Studies Program. Dr. Jim Butterfield will discuss his experience in  Vietnam teaching students, give an overview of Vietnam today and discuss how it worked to combine a sabbatical with a Fulbright grant. Free.
  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.

NOVEMBER 2018

Thursday, November 1

  • El Día De Los Muertos, interactive exhibit—7:30 to 2 a.m. on the second-floor of Waldo Library, hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the WMU Department of Spanish. Day of the Dead, a multi-day celebration most strongly associated with Mexico, is a tradition that honors friends and family members who have died and offers support for their spiritual journeys. Free. 
  • "Women Also Know Stuff: Supporting and Promoting Women in the Academy" Caucus lunch—12:30 p.m. location TBA, hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences. Presented by Dr. Christina Wolbrecht from Notre Dame University. Free; registration required. 
  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.
  • "Women in Politics After 2016" Women's Caucus—3 p.m. location TBA, hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Christina Wolbrecht will look at the gender gap in the 2016 election, women's activism, and women running for office since 2016. Free: registration required. 
  • Islamophobia and the Politics of Muslim Identity in the U.S—5:30 p.m. at the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership, 205 Monroe Street, Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo College Arcus Center. Arsalan Iftikhar is an international human rights lawyer, global media commentator and author of the book Islamic Pacifism: Global Muslims in the Post-Osama Era. Free; RSVP required. 

Friday, November 2

  • El Día De Los Muertos, interactive exhibit—7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the second-floor of Waldo Library, hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the WMU Department of Spanish. Day of the Dead, a multi-day celebration most strongly associated with Mexico, is a tradition that honors friends and family members who have died and offers support for their spiritual journeys. Free. 
  • 2018 Summit on Racism—9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Borgess Hospital Lawrence Education Center, 1521 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, hosted by the Society For Historical and Racial Equity (SHARE). An important venue bringing the community together for open dialogue regarding race and to create solutions to eradicate racism. Free.
  • The Movie "Coco"—4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Public Library Alma Powell Branch, 1000 W Paterson St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Enjoy this wonderful family film about young Miguel who embarks on a spectacular quest to uncover his family’s history and honor their traditions. Free.

Saturday, November 3

  • El Día De Los Muertos, interactive exhibit—10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the second-floor of Waldo Library, hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the WMU Department of Spanish. Day of the Dead, a multi-day celebration most strongly associated with Mexico, is a tradition that honors friends and family members who have died and offers support for their spiritual journeys. Free. 
  • Dia de los Muertos Family Concert—2 to 3 p.m.  at the Kalamazoo Public Library Alma Powell Branch 1000 W Paterson St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Day of the Dead celebration concert for the entire family. Free.

Sunday, November 4

  • El Día De Los Muertos, interactive exhibit—noon to 2 a.m. on the second-floor of Waldo Library, hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the WMU Department of Spanish. Day of the Dead, a multi-day celebration most strongly associated with Mexico, is a tradition that honors friends and family members who have died and offers support for their spiritual journeys. Free. 

Monday, November 5

  • El Día De Los Muertos, interactive exhibit—7:30 to 2 a.m. on the second-floor of Waldo Library, hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the WMU Department of Spanish. Day of the Dead, a multi-day celebration most strongly associated with Mexico, is a tradition that honors friends and family members who have died and offers support for their spiritual journeys. Free. 
  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the Bernhard Center Global Lounge, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.

Tuesday, November 6

  • El Día De Los Muertos, interactive exhibit—7:30 to 2 a.m. on the second-floor of Waldo Library, hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the WMU Department of Spanish. Day of the Dead, a multi-day celebration most strongly associated with Mexico, is a tradition that honors friends and family members who have died and offers support for their spiritual journeys. Free. 
  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the Bernhard Center Global Lounge, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.
  • Ladies Sports Club—2:30 to 3:30 at the Student Recreation Center, hosted by International Student Activities. Exercise with women from around the world through yoga, body strength training, and more. Classes will meet at 2:25 at the Student Recreation help desk prior to each meeting: Free. 
  • Pizza & Pages: Native American Heritage Month—6:30 to 7:30 at the Kalamazoo Public Library Oshtemo Branch, 7265 W Main St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library. We will be reading "Pemmican Wars: a Girl Called Echo" by Katherena Vermette. Read it and come back to talk about it with pizza! Registration required; free.
  • Stages on the Path to Enlightenment—7 to 8:30 p.m.  In the People's Church Room 9, 1758 N Tenth St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the People's Church. Ongoing class on a Tibetan Buddhist text that lays out an extensive road map to spiritual understanding and fulfillment. Free.

Wednesday, November 7

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.
  • "In the Shadows of the American Century: The Rise and Decline of U.S Global Power," ethics book club—4 p.m. at Water Street Coffee Joint, 3037 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, hosted by the Center for the Study of Ethics in Society. Dr. William Santiago-Valles, WMU associate professor emeritus of Africana studies, will be leading discussions of Alfred McCoy's novel. Free: Registration required. 

Thursday, November 8

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.
  • Truth: Lara Blanchard—6:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 S Park St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the University Center for the Humanities. Images of beautiful women have historically been a significant subgenre of Chinese painting, but most of the painters were male, constructing idealized female figures from a distinctly gendered perspective. In contemporary China, women artists such as Cui Xiuwen have used their work to explore women’s subjectivity and women’s objectification. Free.

Friday, November 9

  • Entrepreneurship Forum—8 a.m. at 2150 Schneider Hall, hosted Haworth College of Business. This forum features Jesus Grillo, founder of Nueva Opinion, and brings his story of entrepreneurial and startup success to the greater Kalamazoo community. Free; registration required. Breakfast at 7:30.
  • "Plato's Dialogues of Definition: What is Socrates Looking For" talk—5 p.m. at the Bernhard Center Room 157, hosted by the Center for the Study of Ethics, the Department of Philosophy, Graduate Student Association, and Visiting Scholars and Artists Program. Talk will be led by Justin C. Clark, assistant professor of philosophy at Hamilton College. Free

Monday, November 12

  • International Education Week—Monday Nov. 12 through Friday, Nov. 16. A joint Initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education in efforts to promote programs that prepare students for a global environment.  
  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the Bernhard Center Global Lounge, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.

Tuesday, November 13

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the Bernhard Center Global Lounge, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.
  • Moving Toward Cultural Humility: A Lifelong Process—5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Adrian Trimpe Multicultural Center, hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Haenicke Institute for Global Education and the Office of Precollege Programming. Participants are invited to engage with a panel of campus community members on the topic of cultural humility. Free.
  • Fall Lecture Series: Saudi Arabia—7 to 8:15 p.m. in the Grand Valley University, Seidman College of Business Multi-purpose Room, 50 Front Ave, SW Grand Rapids, hosted by the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. This talk about Saudi Arabia will be led by Dr. Abdullah Alrebh from Grand Valley State University. $15 per event or $30 for series pass. 
  • Stages on the Path to Enlightenment—7 to 8:30 p.m.  In the People's Church Room 9, 1758 N Tenth St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the People's Church. Ongoing class on a Tibetan Buddhist text that lays out an extensive road map to spiritual understanding and fulfillment. Free.

Wednesday, November 14

Thursday, November 15

Friday, November 16

  • Chinese Language Tables—noon to 1 p.m. in the Bernhard Center lower-level dining area, hosted by the Confucius Institute at WMU. Chinese Language Table's offer a free opportunity  to practice Chinese skills by easy conversations  and interesting activities. Free.

Monday, November 19

  • RaceTalk Panel—1 to 3:30 p.m. in the Adrian Trimpe Multicultural Center, hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Students will have the opportunity to listen to diverse human experiences that are similar and vastly different to their racial experience; additionally, this model provides opportunities to ask questions that students may not have felt comfortable enough to articulate about race before. Free.
  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the Bernhard Center Global Lounge, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.

Tuesday, November 20

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the Bernhard Center Global Lounge, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.
  • Fall Lecture Series: Yemen—7 to 8:15 p.m. in the Grand Valley University, Seidman College of Business Multi-purpose Room, 50 Front Ave, SW Grand Rapids, hosted by the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. This talk about Yemen will be led by Dr. Gamal Gasim from Grand Valley State University. $15 per event or $30 for series pass. 
  • Stages on the Path to Enlightenment—7 to 8:30 p.m.  In the People's Church Room 9, 1758 N Tenth St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the People's Church. Ongoing class on a Tibetan Buddhist text that lays out an extensive road map to spiritual understanding and fulfillment. Free.

Wednesday, November 21

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.

Thursday, November 22

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.

Monday, November 26

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.

Tuesday, November 27

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.
  • Ladies Sports Club—2:30 to 3:30 at the Student Recreation Center, hosted by International Student Activities. Exercise with women from around the world through yoga, body strength training, and more. Classes will meet at 2:25 at the Student Recreation help desk prior to each meeting: Free. 
  • Reading Race Book Group—6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Public Library Alma Powell Branch, 1000 W Paterson St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library and the Society for History and Racial Equity. In November, we’ll discuss "White Rage: The Unspoken Truth about Our Racial Divide" by Carol Anderson. "White Rage" will add an important new dimension to the national conversation about race in America. Free.
  • Stages on the Path to Enlightenment—7 to 8:30 p.m.  In the People's Church Room 9, 1758 N Tenth St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the People's Church. Ongoing class on a Tibetan Buddhist text that lays out an extensive road map to spiritual understanding and fulfillment. Free.

Wednesday, November 28

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.
  • "Globalisms and South Asian Literature" Research Briefs in Global Studies—4 to 5 p.m. in the Knauss Hall Humanities Center, hosted by the Global and International Studies Program. This talk will be led by Todd Kuchta and Nathan Tabor about South Asian fiction and geography. Free.

Thursday, November 29

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free.

December 2018

Tuesday, December 4

  • "The Black Death and its Influence on the Renaissance," ARTBreak Talk—noon at the Kalamazoo  Institute of Arts (KIA),  435 W South St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the KIA. Dr. James Carter, retired physician and KIA Docent will discuss the disease itself, how its devastation affected medieval society, and the art that was created in reaction to the pandemic. Regular admission rates apply. 

Wednesday, December 5

  • "Nutrition Paradigms of three World Cultures," lecture—noon to 1 p.m. in the Lee Honors College lounge, hosted by the Lee Honors College. This talk is part of the Lee Honors College Lyceum Lecture series focusing on sustainability in food and access to nutrition. free.

Friday, December 7

  • Chinese Language Tables—noon to 1 p.m. in the Bernhard Center lower-level dining area, hosted by the Confucius Institute at WMU. Chinese Language Table's offer a free opportunity  to practice Chinese skills by easy conversations  and interesting activities. Free

Wednesday, December 12

Sunday, December 23

  • Sunday Tour: Watanabe: Japanese Print Envoy—2 to 3 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA),  435 W South St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the KIA. Join us for a docent-led tour of the exhibition Watanbe: Print Envoy and many of these early prints as well as later impressions to tell the story of the workshop that set the standard for the new generation of print publishers. Regular admission rates apply.  

MArch 2018

Thursday, March 28

  • Transgender Day of Visibility Celebration—4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Adrian Trimpe Building Multicultural Center, hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Activities will recognize the livelihood and empowerment that transgender individuals demonstrate daily around the globe. Free.
  • Truth: Kevin Young—7 p.m. at 2452 Knauss Hall, hosted by the University Center for the Humanities. Kevin Young, award winning poet and critique, will be presenting on the topic, "Bunk: The Rise of Hoaxes, Humbug, Plagiarists, Phonies, Post-Facts, and Fake News," as part of the Gwen Frostic Reading Series. Free. 

April 2018

  • Celebrating Us All: Asian Pacific American Heritage—5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Adrian Trimpe Building Multicultural Center, hosted by the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, and WMU Asian Pacific American Student Association. In celebration of the history of Asian American and Pacific Islanders' enrichment of the United States and the important role of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in our future, campus and local community members are invited to participate in festivities in honor of a range of Asian Pacific American traditions and experiences.

Events archive