During the week of November, 10th a delegation from the University of Central Arkansas visited the city of Necochea, Argentina as a part of UCA’s “Leader’s of the World Program.” The purpose of the conference was to bring together students and researchers to discuss the impact that the growth of industry and wastewater management will have on coastal cities and what measures can be taken to insure the future vitality of these communities.
The delegation included the Associate Vice President and Associate Provost Jane Ann Williams, Professor of Biology Dr. Sally Entrekin, and Latin American Specialist Lara Bersano Calot.
During the visit, Dr. Sally Entrekin took a group of 26 students and researchers from the Villa Devoto School in Buenos Aires to tour a some of the most flood affected areas of Necochea and Quequén, where Dr. Entrekin and the students took samples of water, insects, and soil in order to assess the state of the water and environment.
The delegation also met with local leaders such as Federal Judge Dr. Eduardo Freiler, Marina Cardenau and Tomás Fuentes Benitez; and local institutions: Rotary Necochea, the Puerto Quequén Chamber of Professionals, The Golf Club of Necochea, the University del Centro, the British Academy, and the local newspaper “Ecos de Necochea.” At these institutions, UCA Associate Vice President and Associate Provost Jane Ann Williams gave detailed presentations about the University of Central Arkansas, graduate and undergraduate studies, programs, fellowships, and “Leaders of the World” conferences.
Lara Bersano Calot, International Engagement Latin American Specialist from UCA, coordinated an agreement signing with institutions of Necochea, namely, the Chamber of Professionals of Puerto Quequén and the University del Centro (UNICEN). Bersano Calot commented, “Necochea has proven to be an exciting city, full of incredible opportunities where we found a vibrant community of talented young people and families that understand that international relations and education are key to community development.”
The UCA “Leaders of the World” conference series hosts seminars covering a wide array of topics of global interest lead by experts in the fields of technology, environmental science, politics, and education. These seminars take place throughout the year and across the globe and provide a chance for attendees to gain first hand knowledge from the best minds in these fields. The next conference, entitled “Cities of the Future,” will take place on the UCA campus on April, April 8, 9, & 10 will focus on the environmental, technological, and social challenges of communities as they plan to grow for the 21st century.