MexicoGlobal Insight

Gustavus Adolphus College is pleased to introduce Gustavus Global Insight, a campus-wide program in which Gustavus students, faculty and staff will focus on one country, region or global issue during the academic year. This community project will involve invited speakers, fine arts events, special presentations, service learning opportunities, and of course, class time dedicated to discussions of the focus topic.

Here is a sampling of the Mexico programming already scheduled. Watch this page for updates as the planning continues.

Fall

  • The Mexico Outdoors Website (A Fall 2009 Bio 245 Conservation Biology Class Project)
  • Student Recital of Mexican Songs, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, 8:30 PM, Jussi Björling Recital Hall
    • Ethan Bjelland
    • Christopher Hall and Sam Grace (duet)
    • Ashley Tibbetts and Kirsten Bouma (2 duets)
    • Alyssa Hansen

Spring

  • Cuarteto Latinoamericano: A Latin-American Evening of Music, Monday, February 15, 2010, 7 p.m., Jussi Björling Recital Hall (Order Tickets Online)
  • El Monstruo - Dread & Redemption in Mexico City, March 10, 2010, 6–7 p.m., Community Room, Carlson International Center
    Well-known journalist, John Ross, discusses his latest, book, El Monstruo - Dread & Redemption in Mexico City. Ross has reported from Mexico for over 25 years, known as the "dean of foreign correspondents" there. Currently, he reports for the San Francisco Bay Guardian and the Mexican daily, La Jornada, as well as contributing to the several monthlies, including The Progressive, The Nation, and Counterpunch. Ross has published ten books of non-fiction, fiction, and poetry, including Rebellion from the Roots, an American Book Award winner in 1995. He also has won awards from the Media Alliance and the Catholic Press Association.
  • Lefler Lecture: Diana Taylor, Thursday, April 15, 2010, 7 p.m., Alumni Hall
    • Diana Taylor, a world-renowned expert in the fields of performance studies and Latin American studies, will speak at this year’s Herbert P. and Mary Jane Lefler Lecture at Gustavus Adolphus College. Taylor’s lecture is titled “Performing Democracy,” and will address the Mexican cabaret artist Jesus Rodriguez and her work in organizing political action following the contested national elections of 2006.
  • Gustavus Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Monday, May 3, 6–8:30 p.m., Alumni Hall
    • Free Mexican Food
    • Aztec Dancers
    • Mariachi Band
  • Saint Peter Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Saturday, May 8, 2010, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Minnesota Square Park, St. Peter, MN
    • Music by Noblesa Norteña and DJ Peke/DJ Travieso
    • Food provided by El Tacaso Mexican Delights
    • Food, Games, Music, Piñatas and so much more!
    • Jalapeño Eating Contest!
    • Grito Contest!
    • Visitors from our sister city, Petatlán, México
    • This is a family event: Smoking and Alcohol Prohibited
    • Help the St. Peter Food Shelf : Please bring your non-perishable items to the event and drop them off in the bins marked "St. Peter Food Shelf Donations"
  • Community Service and Solidarity: Comparative Experiences from México and Perú, Tuesday, May 11, 2010, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (bring your own lunch), Commons Room of International Center
    International guests from Chimbóte, Perú (recent 2010 J-Term) and Petatlán, Mexico (sister city to St. Peter) will join together for an informal lunch discussion of their unique approaches to community service and social outreach in their respective countries. All faculty, staff, and students are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

    Guest Speakers:
    • Sra. Leticia de LaCunza, President of DIF (Desarrollo Integral Familiar), Petatlán, México
    • Fr. Jack Davis, Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission, Chimbóte, Perú
    • Sr. (sister) Peggy Byrne, Director of Education at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission, Chimbóte, Perú