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The Department of Spanish presents Tamara Dávila Rivas, a Nicaraguan human rights activist, feminist and political leader. She is currently a Human Rights Fellow at the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership at Kalamazoo College. Ms. Dávila Rivas has committed herself to the civic struggle for justice, freedom and democracy in Nicaragua and will be speaking on our responsibility to stay engaged in our political and social causes with the goal of upholding our democratic principles and our freedoms. Her talk, titled "Setbacks to Democracy: Lessons from Experience," will be followed by a conversation on the state of our democracy. Light food and refreshments will be available.

Tamara Dávila talk flyer

The Department of Spanish welcomes Captain Gregory Sumner, WMU alumn and benefactor. Capt. Sumner, who graduated from WMU in 1994 with degrees in Spanish and Aviation, will speak to our students about the value of a Spanish degree. His talk, titled "¿Por qué estudiar español? Why Study Spanish," will include valuable information about Capt. Sumner's career after graduating from WMU and advice for students on the transition from WMU to the workplace. Capt. Sumner is a pilot with United Airlines, flying 737 and 767 airplanes. He has been a leader with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and visits Washington, D.C. frequently on his advocacy role for the airline industry and the pilots union.

Capt. Sumner Talk flyer

The Department of Spanish is proud to co-sponsor The Center for the Study of Ethics in Society's Peace Lecture by Professor Edgar Franco-Vivanco. Prof. Franco-Vivanco, whose talk is titled "Between Violence and Resistance: The Challenges of Latin America in the 21st Century," holds a PhD from Stanford University and is an assistant professor of Political Science at the University of Michigan. He has received awards for his work on the long-term legacies of colonialism in Latin America and the resistance movements by its indigenous populations.

2023 Peace Lecture flyer

Julián Ramírez Torres was a first-generation TRIO college student at WMU graduating in 2012 with degrees in Spanish and Secondary Education. After years as a teacher, he began his career in school administration. Today, he is the Principal at the dual-language Southwest Middle High School-Academia Bilingüe (7-12) in Grand Rapids. Mr. Ramírez Torres is also a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, having served two years in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He has received numerous awards and medals for his service.

Come join us at Mr. Ramírez Torres' talk on the benefits of a Spanish degree.

Julián Ramírez Torres presentation flyer

"HOW SPANISH UNLOCKS A WORLD OF ADVENTURE"

Isabel studied Spanish and Communications at WMU between 2006 and 2011. She now owns her own successful photography and communications company, , located in Grand Rapids.

Come and learn what a degree in Spanish can do for you!

"How Spanish Unlocks a World of Adventure" poster