WVU Parkersburg features “Focus on International Crises and Recovery Efforts” series FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Parkersburg, W.Va. 10/24/11 – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Office for Global Initiatives and the Humanities Speaker Series will co-host two programs in November. The schedule of events for the “Focus on International Crises and Recovery Efforts” series includes: "100 Days in Rwanda," Wednesday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m. – This special presentation by Gary Thompson will provide an introduction to Rwanda and the socioeconomic forces that culminated in the genocidal tragedy. Discussion will include ethnic identities in Rwanda, events and attitudes leading to genocide international response to the genocide, how Rwanda has coped with the aftermath, and the current social and economic forces at work in Rwanda today. Thompson is the program coordinator for the solar, EAMT, HVAC/R and residential and commercial electricity programs at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. His professional experience has provided many opportunities for extensive travel in Europe, southeastern Asia and South America. Rwanda was his first trip to Africa. "The Challenge of Providing Humanitarian Aid in Complex Political Emergencies," Monday, Nov. 14, 4 p.m. – Emmanuel Ogwude will present this special program. Originally from Nigeria, Ogwude earned a master’s degree in film and video from Columbia College in Chicago. He has extensive experience in the private sector and has also taught college English, theatre, and video production courses. He is currently the program manager in the Welcome Center at WVU Parkersburg and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in conflict resolution from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. Both programs are free and open to the public and will be held in the college theatre, room 1305. Question and answer sessions will follow each presentation. For more information, contact Dr. Nancy Nanney at 304-424-8361. For additional information, contact: Katie Wootton WVU Parkersburg Director of Marketing and Communications 304-424-8203 E-mail Recent Releases News Archive