International Studies Grad Works to Launch a First for NEO

Laughlin-Caroff '05

Northeast Ohio's only foreign language immersion school--the state's first Mandarin immersion school--is gearing up to open in Cleveland in August 2016 and a BW alumna Kristen Laughlin-Caroff '05 is playing an instrumental role in the development of the new Global Ambassadors Language Academy (GALA). Laughlin-Caroff, who triple majored in international studies, French and economics at BW, serves on GALA'sboard and is chief marketing officer for Cleveland International Fund.

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District-sponsored charter school has initial plans are to enroll Kindergarten and First Graders Mandarin and Spanish immersion programs, with the goal of adding Arabic and Portuguese and developing an international school for grades 9-12 in the future. The school will be tuition free and provide instruction of all core subjects in both English and a target language, "leading to dual proficiency in reading, writing,

listening, and speaking by the 3rd grade."

Laughlin-Caroff is optimistic for the future of GALA, telling us that "it will serve as a change agent for Cleveland," offering area families "innovative school options" as it works to "strengthen culture and diversity, and produce a globally competitive local workforce for multinational companies in the Cleveland area."

Alumna Named Dean of Undergraduate Admissions NSU

Deanne "Dee" Voss 

Alumna Deanne "Dee" Voss '90 has been named dean of undergraduate admissions at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Voss is heading to NSU after spending more than 20 years as an enrollment professional at the University of Miami. Brad A. Williams, NSU's vice president for student affairs and dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies stated in a News Release that, "Miss. Voss brings a wealth of knowledge about admission and enrollment management and relationships with high school counselors throughout Florida, nationally and internationally."

She holds a bachelor's degree in international studies from BW and a master's degree in higher education leadership from the University of Miami. Voss is active in the National Association for College Admissions Counseling and the Southern Association of College Admissions Counselors.

Alum Nominated by President Obama to Lead TSA

Photo Courtesy of Cleveland.com

Coast Guard Vice Admiral Peter Neffenger '77 has been nominated by President Obama to lead the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). "He has been a recognized leader in the face of our nation's important challenges and I am grateful for his service," the President said of the Lorain Country native in a White House press release.

Neffenger's appointment must be approved by the U.S. Senate. Unlike many of President Obama's past nominations, members of both political parties are commending his nomination and expressing confidence that Neffenger will provide effective and strong leadership for the TSA, within the Department of Homeland Security.

According to a Washington Post article, the post will put Neffenger in charge of security operations at over 450 U.S. airports, give him oversight of a staff of 50,000 security personnel and leadership responsibility for the Federal Air Marshal Service.

Neffenger graduated from BW with a bachelor's degree in English before going on to earn three additional master's degrees. He still gives back to BW, taking students to an international conference in 2013 and speaking to students and faculty. During his last visit in the Spring of 2014, he spoke to students about how the U.S. can contribute to helping build a peaceful world. He currently serves as the 29th Vice Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Coast Guard Vice Admiral Peter Neffenger '77 speaks to students in Dr. Judy Krutky's classroom,  Spring 2014

BW Student Chronicles Adventures In Morocco

Nikita Martin '17

From the unpredictable winter weather of Northeast Ohio to warm and sunny Morocco, Nikita Martin '17, has enjoyed the change of climate during a semester abroad. Martin and another BW student, Hannah Toberman '17, are studying at Al Akhawayn University located in Ifrane, Morocco. This trip has allowed the students to fully and independently immerse themselves in a new culture.

Students visiting Oudaya, Morocco

Nadia, Nikita '17 (middle) and
Hannah '17 (right) surfing in Rabat

Ifrane, a city in Northern Morocco where English, French and Arabic are the spoken languages, contains an abundance of lakes, mountains and greenery. At Al Akhawayn University, the students stay in dorms, have a meal plan and take classes in different disciplines.

Martin, who describes Morocco as being "absolutely beautiful," has been documenting her adventures on her travel blog, "Marhaba Morocco," where she describes many adventures including a recent spring break trip where she stayed in a tent village, rode a camel in the Sahara, visited the famous main square of Marrakech, and dined on "tasty" sea urchins and sting ray.

Martin, an international studies and political science double major,  is one of five BW students who are blogging their experiences abroad this spring semester.

BW Grad Goes Global

BW alumnus, Dylan Davis '03 has recently earned an appointment as The Asia Foundation's new Country Representative in Seoul, South Korea, the latest step in a fascinating international career that was sparked by an undergraduate study abroad experience.

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international organization that seeks to improve lives, expand opportunities and help Asian nations unite and flourish. The longstanding partnership of The Asia Foundation spans across 18 Asian countries.

Prior to his appointment, Davis was involved in 
extensive in-country work with Korean and American institutions. Davis also served in the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and most recently, as Program Director for the Center for Korean Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.

While attending BW, Davis majored in both psychology and music. As an undergrad, he studied abroad in Seoul and told political science and international studies professor Dr. Judy Krutky that "I have you and Baldwin Wallace to thank for the study abroad experience at Ewha that led to a Fulbright grant, and now this new opportunity."

Davis has received many awards from high-level institutions around the globe. His tenure as Country Representative in Seoul will begin on March 2.

BW Experiences Help Shape Grad's State Department Career

Coniam in one of the State Department's

original diplomatic reception rooms

Kimberly Coniam ’07, a Foreign Affairs Officer for the Office of Missile Defense and Space Policy at the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C., is thriving in an amazing career in national security and space policy, traveling the world from South Africa to Vietnam, working to improve the security of outer space.

A graduate with majors in both political science and international studies, Coniam says she first became passionate about national security writing her first academic research paper for a class taught by Dr. Morales-Ortiz. Coniam says this experience eventually led to a yearlong internship at the U.S. Department of State where she was able to apply her research to real world situations.

Participating in BW's Model UN and studying various international organizations also helped the Berea, Ohio native to further develop an interest in foreign affairs. "I can better navigate in an often challenging multilateral setting because of those experiences," she says.

Visiting the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency outside Tokyo

Coniam, who also earned a master's degree at Indiana University, says the opportunity to study abroad twice, first to China and then to Japan, not only reinforced her strong interest in U.S.-Asia relations, but also played an important role in her selection for the 18th class of Mansfield Fellows. The government fellowship program allowed her to work within the Japanese government for a year. "I know the adaptability and independence I gained from my study abroad opportunities contributed to my success."

Coniam adds that "the most crucial [factor] in shaping me and leading to my success" was the mentoring of Dr. Judy Krutky, who "pushed me to always expand my interests, try new things, and never settle; under her instruction, I was taught that it is important to try something new and do something unexpected, and that often these new experiences will be the most rewarding."

BW Senior Takes Summer Studies to Peru

Amanda Van Gilder ’15 broke international boundaries this summer as she assisted as a researcher with Aporvidha, a human rights firm located in Cusco, Peru.

An international studies and spanish double major from Akron, Amanda conducted interviews and reviewed academic resources to explore issues relating to human and indigenous rights in the Peruvian city.

“Knowing I would have access to large amounts of research, I figured I could take and elaborate on what I learned from [Dr. Judy Krutky’s Capstone seminar] and look at national security from a social and human rights perspective,” she explains. Hands-on experience was crucial in making her time this summer special, she says, as she was able to interact face to face with members of marginalized and indigenous communities.

Back at BW, she intends to carry her passion for Peru’s social issues into her studies by turning her findings into an Honors Program thesis. Amanda is also involved as a BW CIG fellow and has assisted refugees through an internship with the International Institute of Akron. After graduation, Amanda plans to continue her education pursuing a Master’s degree in International Development.

Pressuring Putin: BW Professor Weighs in for Washington Times

As the west turns up the pressure on Russia to aid the Ukraine plane crash probe and rein in separatist rebels there,  BW professor Judy Krutky tells The Washington Times today that it's not clear how much influence Russian President Vladimir Putin has on the rebels.

“Since technically Russia isn’t in Ukraine, the question is would sanctions impact Putin and his advisers and cause them to try and change the behavior of the separatists in eastern Ukraine who want more freedom from the Ukrainian government?,” Krutky told the paper. “Putin seems to have some influence on them, but how much isn’t clear. The connections between all these actors are tenuous at best.”

Dr. Krutky, who heads BW's international studies program, including the national security track, also works as an adjunct scholar for RAND Corp’s International Security and Policy Group.

Professor Judy Krutky in her international studies classroom with guest speaker USCG Vice Admiral Peter Neffenger '77

Political Science Professor Talks Ukraine on Alumnus' Radio Show

Political Science and International Studies professor Dr. Judy Krutky joined BW alumnus Jasen Sokol '11 on his Akron talk radio show to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine.

In the clip available for replay on WAKR radio's website, Dr. Krutky explains how recent sanctions will affect the situation between Russia, Ukraine and neighboring nations.

By the way, The Jasen Sokol Show is a recent addition to WAKR's lineup, debuting in late February. Jasen's background, studying political science and broadcasting at BW, came together for his recent interview with Dr. Krutky. In his online biography, Jasen attributes the discovery of his passion for radio while working for WBWC The Sting. He minored in Broadcasting/Communications at BW and went on to earn a Master's degree from Kent State.

In addition to hosting his new midday radio show, Jasen serves as the morning news editor for AkronNewsNow.com and RCRG. You can also catch Jasen delivering morning traffic reports for 1590 WAKR, 97.5 WONE, 94.9 WQMX and 107.3 The WAVE in Cleveland.

Students Shine at Model African Union Conference

Twelve BW students recently traveled to Washington, D.C. for Howard University's 12th Model African Union Conference turning in one of BW's strongest conference performances to date. Six out of 12 students won awards and three won double awards, according to BW Political Science and International Studies professor, Judy Krutky.  

Daniela Muhaj, Matt Kusznir, and Antonio Paris won both the Leadership Award and the Outstanding Delegate in Committee. Sarah Villarreal, Sophie LeGot, and Sundous Eddeb all earned the Outstanding Delegate in Committee.

All students kicked off the conference with a briefing at the Egyptian embassy.

BW Grad Teaching English Abroad

Katie (far right) with some BW visitors at the
Prague Castle. Left to right; Laura Lagania '14,
Fransiska Ong '12 and Lauren Franko '12

Katie Battaglia '12, an International Studies and Spanish double major, has been on the go since graduating from Baldwin Wallace University.

Katie left for Prague to earn a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language. She managed to visit six countries before taking on a full time teaching schedule at two language schools.

Katie says, "My favorite part about teaching is the cultural exchange I get to have with my students. Not only am I teaching them English, but they are always telling me about Czech culture, places to visit, festivals to go to, and foods to try. So far, my life here has been wonderful."

BW Students Take Top Awards at Annual Conference

Charles Henderson, Brooke Hradisky, Elise Wallis, Daniella Muhaj

Two of three undergraduate paper awards went to Baldwin Wallace students at the annual Ohio Association of Economists and Political Scientists meeting.

International Studies major Danielle Muhaj '14 received an award for her paper "Behind the Norm: Social Network Analysis of International Trade Disputes Among the Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO)," while Elise Wallis '13 was recognized for her presentation on "The Decision-Making Processes Behind President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)."

Dr. Haesook Chae along with students Brooke Hradisky '14 and Charles Henderson '14 also presented at the 2013 conference.

Student Immersed in Culture at University of Cape Coast

Alex Nagy '13, studying International Studies and National Security at BW, is taking experiential learning to a whole new level this semester. Stepping outside the traditional learning environment, Alex is studying at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, Africa.

Nagy observes, "As a student from the most politically and economically powerful country in the world, Ghana enables me to see the perspective of the world stage from a developing country; a perspective which cannot be gained from any amount of academic literature."

Anyone interested in following Alex's adventures can check out his photo blog. The photo right shows a network of roped bridges that Nagy navigated high up in the canopy of the rainforest in the Kakum National Park.

To find out more about study abroad opportunities at BW, visit the BW Explorations pages.

Leading the Study of Language through Non-Language Courses

BW faculty members, Dr. Tony Chen (Economics), Dr. Javier Morales-Ortiz (Political Science) and Dr. Judy Krutky (International Studies) recently attended the seventh annual conference on Culture and Language Across the Curriculum at the University of Richmond in Virginia, where Dr. Krutky was tapped to co-lead one of the conference’s workshops.

The conference provided participants the opportunity to share and develop ideas and best practices for integrating the study of a second language beyond traditional language classes.

BW, a founding member of the national consortium, held the annual conference on its campus in fall 2009. The Language Across the Curriculum curricular option at BW gives students the chance to practice their foreign language skills in their non-language courses.

Chinese Middle School Inspires Study Abroad Group Back at BW

BW students pose with students at the Dandelion School on the outskirts of Beijing.

The long-lasting impact of one study abroad experience continues to play out for the Baldwin Wallace University students and faculty who traveled together to China in spring of 2012. This year, they have collected enough money to support six students studying for a full semester at the Dandelion School, a highlight of their trip.

The middle school for children of the city's large migrant population made such a profound impression on the group that December 2012 BW graduate, Jordan Kit '12, decided to spend a year volunteering to teach at Dandelion starting this fall. Read more here.