ECCE program to discuss cultural connections

The University of Illinois at Springfield will be hosting a program called “Bridging Across Cultures: Challenges and Opportunities” presented by Dr. Nithyakala Karuppaswamy on Wednesday, July 1, at 12 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library on the UIS campus.

The event is part of the Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series at UIS.

The program will discuss why developing the skills of cross-cultural connection is not only recommended, but necessary to succeed in today’s global environment. Connecting across cultures involves understanding one’s own background, strengths and biases; being curious and learning about the others’ culture; and developing genuine connection by persisting in the face of obstacles. Karuppaswamy will address each of these steps by using cross-cultural connections between individuals from India and the U.S. as examples.

Karuppaswamy is an assistant professor of Human Development Counseling at UIS. Her areas of specialization include multicultural counseling, racial identity development, couples and family therapy, spirituality and the intersection of Western and Eastern worldviews in therapy.

For information about the ECCE Speaker Series, contact Kimberly Craig, series coordinator, at 206-6245 or e-mail speakerseries@uis.edu.