TO: Potential Advisory Board Members and Client Institutions
A group has formed on the campus of WNMU to discuss the possibility
of a Global Language and Culture Institute that would meet
a variety of needs in the community. You are invited to contribute
to the planning and vision of this project.
The current thinking is to create a university based institute
that would conduct and coordinate an intensive English and Spanish
language courses and a variety of related projects and activities.
It is expected that this would complement, and even serve some
programs that now exist.
There is a global trend toward international cooperation in business,
education, and social programs. This center could provide intensive
English language development courses for international professionals,
college students, and workers. Students for the English component
could be recruited locally and from Mexico as well as all of Latin
America, the Pacific Rim, Europe, and Africa.
There is a need to develop a greater national capacity for Americans
to understand other cultures and languages in order to enhance
our economic competetiveness in the international community. This
institute could provide intensive Spanish language development
courses for U.S. professionals, college students and teachers.
Students for the Spanish component could be recruited nationwide
as well as from other countries interested in working in Latin
America.
The GLCI would sponsor a Native American Languages and Cultures
Center that would focus on recruitment and retention through graduation
of New Mexico and Arizona students who belong to the various Indian
Nations.
This center could also organize special events and programs, a
language laboratory and library, perform research, training and
development, and sponsor study and teaching abroad. The institute
would serve every department on campus who desires assistance
with cross cultural communication, support for native students,
international contacts, or English development for international
students. In addition to English and Spanish, the Center could
coordinate projects related to Native American studies and communication
with countries with other languages.
Other benefits to our community may include jobs and internships,
a natural research laboratory for cross cultural studies,to enhance
Grant County quality of life through the recognition of our place
in the global landscape, and the enhancement of economic development
by bringing in many people for extended stays.
The Institute is now soliciting contributions of time, ideas and
money. This project will likely produce adequate returns for investors.
Please contact one of the following: Jean Hall (538 2682), Roy
Howard (538 6101), Donna Rees, Tony Macías, Patricia Cano,
Bill Toth, Ed Hall,