Keeping Up With Recent UCIS Events
As most of you know, Pitt is home to numerous events every week. From Engineering and Nursing to History and Anthropology, there are always opportunities for every interest here. In this week’s blog post, we will talk about some of the University Centers for International Studies (UCIS) initiatives.
What’s in a Name? A series on name identity, diversity, and inclusion.
Let’s talk a little bit about names. Can they create unconscious bias? Is there a history of our given names? Does the original region where our name is from influence how others see us? Do social status and laws affect our name? Is it difficult to ask someone how their name is pronounced? If so, why?
The “What’s in a Name” series aims to open a doorway to investigate issues that affect us every day, and that resonates through the most personal parts of who we are. It explores simple tools and name etiquette, with the empathy and respect everyone deserves, ponders about what your name says about you, and how it may be used to define one’s identity.
The series has talked about microaggressions relating to names, mispronunciation, and the impact they have on one’s individuality. Breaking biases and the legal names in the LGBTQIA+ community have also been topics of discussion, in which other people’s perceptions and public policy have fostered pathways for self-knowledge and personal awareness. The most recent event showcased place names and how they reflect our identities, their significance as a way for community identification, and the impact of colonialism on places’ names.
Interested in viewing previous events? Check out our webpage! http://www.globalhub.pitt.edu/programming/whats-in-a-name
Keep an eye out for future events in the series!
On February 24th, Russia invaded the independent and democratic nation of Ukraine. As a university with a rich history of working with colleagues and students from and within Ukraine, Pitt stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. We are committed to supporting all community members here who have been impacted by these events, both from Russia and Ukraine. Read the University’s full statement here.
It is also pivotal for us to keep our community educated with information from reliable sources. With this in mind, both the European Studies Center and the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies have prepared numerous events for the Pitt community.
Donations to Help Ukraine
The Ukrainian Culture Club and students from the School of Pharmacy have organized a drive for medical supplies to send to Ukraine. Drop-off locations are at the Global Hub and the main floor of William Pitt Union.
They are collecting the following types of items from now until April 16th:
- OTC Medications: Tylenol, Aleve/Motrin, Neosporin, BloodCease, Lidocaine 4%, Benedryl, sodium chloride, sore throat syrups and cough drops, cough medication, allergy medication
- Dressing Supplies: Hemostatic bandages, sterile dressings, elastic bandages, Israeli bandages
- Antiseptics: hydrogen peroxide, iodine, chlorhexidine, isopropyl alcohol
For monetary donations, the Ukrainian Culture Club has partnered with Brother’s Brother. You can make a tax-deductible donation via the link below and ensure that “Ukraine Relief” is selected in the Gift Designation.
Past Events
Disinformation and Diplomacy: EU, Russia, and the Battle for Facts | March 24th, 2022
Russia's war against Ukraine raises new questions in international relations. How can the EU deal with Russian disinformation? What are the effects of shutting down RT or Sputnik? What responsibility do technology companies have in spreading hate and lies? What does Zelensky's social media activity teach us about political communication and leadership? These and other questions serve to reflect on the future of Europe in the era of de-globalization, where facts -not mere opinions- are contested.
The War on Ukraine: Testing Resolve in Europe and NATO | March 23rd, 2022
This session explored Europe and NATO’s role in the war, including the prospects for Ukrainian membership in the EU or NATO. How has EU foreign policy shifted in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine? How is Europe responding to the new wave of refugees fleeing the fighting? And what do we make of the nuclear posturing coming out of Moscow?
Nalistniki Fundraising Event to Support Ukraine | March 4th, 2022
Although the fundraising event is over, you can still make a donation! All funds will go towards Razom and United Help Ukraine. You can contribute via Venmo @nowarinukraine.
Russia, Ukraine, and the West | Recorded on February 23rd, 2022
Guests:
Michael Kimmage specializes in the history of the Cold War, twentieth-century U.S. diplomatic and intellectual history, and in U.S.-Russian relations since 1991. From 2014 to 2016, he served on the Secretary’s Policy Planning Staff at the U.S. Department of State, where he held the Russia/Ukraine portfolio.
Marlene Laruelle is the Director, of the Institute for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies at the Eliot School of International Affairs at George Washington University.
Fyodor Lukyanov is Editor-in-Chief of Russia in Global Affairs, Chairman of the Presidium of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, the Research Director of the Valdai International Discussion Club, and a Research Professor at the Higher School of Economics, Moscow. He is the editor of Russia in the Middle East: Viewpoints, Policies, Strategies published by East View.
Listen now: https://srbpodcast.org/2022/02/25/russia-ukraine-and-the-west/
Happening this week
This week, from March 28th to April 1st is the 2022 Global Career Week!
This series features over 25 sessions covering the breadth of careers and competencies currently sought in the international economy. Network with and learn from Pitt alumni and other experts on how to gear up and navigate the competitive job market. Themes for the week include technology and data, health and well-being, human rights, security and diplomacy, entrepreneurism, and international development.
Check out information on events, speakers, and registration information: https://www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/2022-global-career-week
Curious to know UCIS’ upcoming events?
Check out our calendar, which includes everything happening until the end of the semester!
Hope to see you there.
