Dr. Zelalem Kibret, a scholar sponsored by the Scholars-At-Risk organization, spoke at a program on The Power of Literature about his experiences as an imprisoned writer in Ethiopia.   Dr. Kibret discussed his interests in human rights law, conflict studies, governance and development in Africa, federalism, and relations between traditional institutions and the law.  

International Week

International Day for Tolerance  – Panels from the School of Education, and Departments of Occupational Therapy and Communication Disorders discussed Creating a Just, Inclusive World: Combating Intolerance, focusing on disabilities and inclusion.

World Prematurity Day – Professor Kathleen Kenney-Riley presented regarding premature babies around the globe. She spoke about health issues linked with prematurity and the importance of raising awareness and taking action to give babies a chance at living life.

World Toilet Day – Professor Irina Ellison presented on How the Toilet has Changed the World, reflecting on international hygiene conditions. She spoke about ways that many countries cope when toileting is inaccessible or nonexistent.

International Human Rights Day – Mercy College student Sandra Uwiringiyimana presented Memoirs of a War Child, a personal and powerful story of her life as a refugee and surviving armed conflicts in Africa.  Students and faculty were inspired by her strength and were appreciative of her honesty about the brutality she faced.  Uwiringiyimana’s book about her experiences, How Dare The Sun Rise, was published in 2017.