WYOMISSING, Pa. — Penn State Berks is reaching out to the local community through "LionSide Chats," a modern interpretation of former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Depression-era “Fireside Chats.” These webinars provide current and timely talks from college faculty and staff experts on a variety of topics and disciplines. The one-hour webinars are free and open to the public and held virtually via Zoom.
"Vaccine Diplomacy"
Oct. 8, 12:15–1:15 p.m.
This LionSide Chat will also be held in person, in room 157, Franco Building. It is the first in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Colloquium series for this academic year.
Presented by Randall Newnham, professor of political science, who will pose the question: What will a country do to get life-saving vaccines? The COVID-19 vaccine is in high demand all over the world. Because of this, countries making vaccines — such as Russia, China, and the United States — have been able to gain diplomatic power. If a country wants vaccines, it often must do what the producing nations want. Can the "vaccine-poor" countries find a way out of this dilemma?
"Origins of Culture"
Oct. 11, 12:15–1:15 p.m.
Presented by Sharon Pitterson-Ogaldez, Coordinator of Diversity and International Programs, who will discuss gender, race, religion, class, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, language … these are some the identities that makes us different and that we need to understand as we build and sustain communities that are respectful and inclusive. We also need to learn how to build bridges of understanding to effectively include all members of our communities.
"We Are ... Professional"
Oct. 20, 12:15–1:15 p.m.
Presented by Tish Jepsen, coordinator of Career Services and Internships, who will take students through a developmental journey of career planning. She will discuss how, starting in their first year of college, students should identify the activities that can enhance their chances of reaching their career goals. She will also touch on how career decisions are made, what skills are needed, and how to make the best use of Penn State's resources and network. This LionSide Chat is part of the fall Penn State “We Are” Series.
More information
A complete schedule of talks and recordings of past LionSide Chats are available on the LionSide Chats website. For more information, contact Dawn Pfeifer Reitz, coordinator of LionSide Chats and assistant teaching professor of communication arts and sciences, at [email protected].
