Fall 2023 international seminar series event to focus on Colonialism

The upcoming event for the Fall 2023 International Seminar Series is now open for registration. All events will be presented simultaneously in-person in the Old Main Room of the Bone Student Center, and online through Zoom. The discussion will be held on September 27, 2023, 12 p.m. (noon)-1 p.m. These events are free and open to the public. RSVP is required for in-person attendance.  

We are pleased to formally invite you to the second event of the Fall 2023 International Seminar Series titled “Impressions of Colonialism.” When the United Nations was established in 1945 almost a third of the world’s population—750 million people—lived in states that were governed by other countries. Since that date over 80 countries have gained their independence from colonial administration. During this seminar series event, the panel will lead a discussion with the audience on colonialism and what the term “colonialism” means to them.  

Facilitated by:  

• Dr. Tom Buller, Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy, Illinois State University. In 2022 he co-led an Alternative Break voluntary trip to Ngong, Kenya. In 2023, Dr. Buller received a Provost Enhancement and Innovation (PIE) grant, “Diversity and Alternative Breaks.” 

Expert Panelists:  

• Dr. Tony Adedze is a professor and specialist in African History in the Department of History, Illinois State University.
• Professor Marinelly Castillo is an instructional assistant professor in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, Illinois State University. Professor Castillo was born in Barquisimeto City, Venezuela, and obtained her bachelor’s degree as an accountant from the “Universidad Centro Occidental Lisandro Alvarado” in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. She has lived in the United States since 1999 when she came to study English as a Second Language and after that pursuing a master’s in Latin-American Literatures and Cultures.  
• Dr. Chris De Santis is a professor of African American and American Literature in the Department of English, Illinois State University. He has taught and published numerous works on African American literature and issues of race in American literature over 30 years. 

• Dr. Tina Williams is chair and associate professor in the Department of Management, Illinois State University. After earning her Ph.D. in organizational behavior and human resource management at Florida State University in 2013, she joined ISU. Dr. Williams is interested in the impact of colonialism on business, particularly in Barbados and the U.S. 

Lunch will be provided before the event at 11:45 a.m. CST. In-person RSVP is required so that an accurate food count will be available. Alternatively, you can also join the event via this Zoom link. Advance registration is not necessary for online attendance. 

Anyone with questions, concerns, or regarding any accommodation to participate fully, should contact Emmy Buonomo at ecbuono@IllinoisState.edu or call the Office of International Engagement at (309) 438-1651. Allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation, thank you.