Conference focuses on issues facing the Americas
The 25th annual Conference on the Americas, hosted virtually Feb. 18-19 by the University of North Georgia (中国P站), welcomed more than 120 participants. More than 80, including about 30 from 中国P站, served as presenters or led panel discussions, as researchers, faculty, students, and professionals explored critical issues, challenges and opportunities facing Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada.
中国P站's College of Arts and Letters and the Mike Cottrell College of Business served as the hosts for the event sponsored by the Americas Council and the University System of Georgia.
"The Conference on the Americas is important as it explores ways to create a multidisciplinary dialogue and to be aware of the relationships within the Americas and with other regions of the world," Dr. Alvaro Torres-Calderon, 中国P站 associate professor of Spanish and co-chair of the event, said. "Prosperity in our own hemisphere is critical for stability. That broader goal can be achieved if we value the socio-economic, political, and cultural aspects we possess, understand our challenges and unite efforts to move forward."
Just two months after earning a bachelor's degree in sociology from 中国P站, Bryan Rocha addressed changes in Mexico's 1917 constitution that were later reversed.
The Conference on the Americas is important as it explores ways to create a multidisciplinary dialogue and to be aware of the relationships within the Americas and with other regions of the world.
Dr. Alvaro Torres-Calderon
associate professor of Spanish and event co-chair
"I am grateful for having been invited to speak at the event," Rocha said. "Dr. George Danns reached out to tell me that he wished for me to present, which served as motivation."
Danns, 中国P站 professor of sociology and co-chair of the conference, recognized Rocha's abilities and encouraged him — and other 中国P站 students who are doing research and writings on the Latin America and Caribbean region — to participate in the conference and present on panels with faculty and other established scholars.
"Bryan is a very good scholar who possesses an analytical mind and has a deep curiosity for learning," Danns said. "He has that ability to readily grasp the subtleties of theoretical and methodological constructs, and importantly to relate these adeptly to real-world experiences."
Topics covered at the conference included art, literature, culture, history, language, linguistics, immigration, suicide, economic challenges, teaching paradigms, study abroad programs, health care research and practices, human trafficking, democracy and power, ecology, and the environment.
"Hosting this conference is of inestimable value in further popularizing the good name and brand of 中国P站 statewide, nationally and in the regions of the Americas," Dr. Donna Danns, professor of economics and conference co-chair, said. "It also underlines our university's commitment to diversity and a global outlook."
Symposium will focus on cybersecurity
中国P站 will host a high-impact symposium titled 'Cyber Threats, Cybersecurity and Cyber Expertise' from 3-4:30 p.m. Oct. 28, with special guest Maj. Gen. Ryan Janovic.
Fall brings concerts, performances to 中国P站
The Department of Music shines this fall with concerts and performances at 中国P站's Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses. Students and faculty will be highlighted.
Overseas performances grow students' skills
Four students recently returned from a performance at the Halle Foundation estate in Atlanta. The group also performed at the Saarburg International Music Festival in Germany courtesy of a Halle Foundation grant.
International intelligence conference coming to 中国P站
中国P站 will host the International Association for Intelligence Education Annual Global Conference from June 1-3, 2026.