Friday, November 10, 2006
Survivor of Rwandan genocide to speak during International Education Week
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Dr. Tharcisse Seminega will present his account as a Tutsi survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide at 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, in Carter Hall in the University Center. His presentation is a highlight of International Education Week (November 13-17). Seminega was born and raised in Rwanda. He was serving as senior lecturer at the National University of Rwanda in Butare, southern Rwanda, when the events that led to the genocide took place. More than 50 Tutsi and moderate Hutu professors were killed in Butare. Seminega and his family of six were hidden by 20 people of the Hutu ethnic group, who risked their lives to save them. The Seminegas miraculously survived numerous life-threatening situations, but lost more than 100 relatives in the genocide. Following these traumatic events, they decided to immigrate to Toronto, Canada. His survival account briefly describes Rwanda’s historical origins prior to and in the wake of German, Belgian, and French colonialism in the region. He points out how hatred built up between the Hutu and Tutsi and shows the impact of colonialism in the long-term relations between the two ethnic groups and the escalation of hatred that took place, starting from the Tutsi rebel attack in 1990. He also will discuss his personal experiences and his view of the present situation in his country. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Padova (Italy), a master’s degree in nutrition and food science (applied biochemistry) from the University of Nancy (France), and a Ph.D. in biotechnology and food industry from the National Polytechnic Institute of Lorraine, School of Agriculture and Food Industry, Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy (France). He speaks English, French, Italian, and three African languages. Seminega also will offer a presentation for local high school students at noon and another program for Living Learning Community students that evening. Here’s the complete schedule for International Education Week 2006: All week International Trivia Contest, open to all members of the University community. Winners receive prizes. Students and employees may pick up trivia forms in the Office of International Programs and Services or at one of the University Center information desks. Completed forms must be dropped off no later than noon Friday, November 17. Winners will be announced by Tuesday, November 21. Information: Kristine E. Murray, 812/465-7183. Tuesday Lunch and Learn: “San Pablito, Puebla and the Papermaking Tradition of Mexico,” noon-1 p.m., University Suite, University Center. Presented by Michael Aakhus, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Information: Kristine E. Murray, 812/465-7183. Study Abroad Information Session: Summer Study Abroad, 3:30-4:30 p.m. University Center Room 214. Information: Kristine E. Murray, 812/465-7183. Wednesday International Gift Sale, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. University Center information desk. Sponsored by Newman Catholic Student Ministry; featuring items from Catholic Relief Services and Serve International. Information: Christine Hoehn, 812/464-1871. Rwandan genocide survivor Dr. Tharcisse Seminega, 7 p.m., Carter Hall, University Center. Information: Kristine E. Murray, 812/465-7183. Thursday “Resume Writing and Interview Skills with an International View,” noon-1 p.m. University Center Room 206. Presented by Kristine Murray, program director in International Programs, and Pamela Doerter, coordinator of internships and co-op education in Career Services. Information: Kristine E. Murray, 812/465-7183. Friday International Education Program at West Terrace Elementary School, presented by elementary education majors and English as a Second Language International (ESLI) students, at the elementary school. Information: Dr. Jeff Thomas, assistant professor of education, 812/461-5224. |
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