NEWS

Faculty speakers will continue to address how Tech’s campus relates to the stability and sustainability across the globe, and featured movies will discuss issues such as climate change, water sustainability and biodiversity as part of the Shaping the 21st Century: Stability and Sustainability in a Global Context series.
With the last event occurring May 19, the series is filled with film screenings, guest speakers, an international food fest in addition to the global stability and sustainability discussions.
“Our reason for focusing on stability and sustainability should be rather obvious,” said Bill Willoughby, associate dean and director of graduate studies in the College of Liberal Arts. “There’s the global economic downturn, the continued threats of terrorism, fluctuating concerns over fossil fuels and renewable energy, and the confusing conditions of environmental degradation and climate change all add up to the International Education Committee’s decision to look at stability and sustainability from a global perspective–Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and, of course, Europe and the US will all add some part to the overall picture.”
While other spring seasons have focused primarily on countries, such as India or China, as have been featured previously, Willoughby said the decision was made to focus on a larger theme.
“All corners of the globe are represented in this series,” he said. “Our arena is the entire globe.”
Events of the series are listed below. All events are free and open to the public.
Faculty Lecture
“Eco-Car and the Future of Sustainable Transportation”
Dr. Jim Nelson and Dr. Heath Tims, assistant professor of mechanical engineering
Tuesday, May 11
Wyly Tower Auditorium; 10 a.m.
Film Screening
Why We Fight, directed by Eugene Jarecki (2005)
Wednesday, May 12
Wyly Tower Auditorium; 6:30 p.m.
Brownbag Lunch Video/Talk
Beyond Our Differences (2008); 74 min.
With all of the problems facing the world today, people are longing for meaning. Many find answers in religion or spirituality, but as a result faith and religion are often hijacked by those seeking to enhance their own power. Beyond Our Differences, calls upon key religious leaders, politicians, and luminaries in their fields, and it asks what it is that inspires them to affect positive change.
Wednesday, May 19
International Student Office; 12:15 p.m.
The Shaping the 21st Century series is sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Applied and Natural Sciences, the College of Education, the College of Engineering and Science, the College of Business, the Office of Academic Affairs, the Student Government Association, the International Student Office, Tech Gospel Choir: Souls on Fire and the International Student Association.