Welcome from the Chair

Dr. Lorum Stratton, Department Chair
Associate Professor of Spanish, Linguistics

It is exciting to see the rebirth of the CMLL News in order that we may reach out to many of you who have meant so much to the growth and development of this department, and to reach out to many others who have benefitted from their studies in International Languages, Cultures and Literatures.

We continue to talk about the shrinking world, the explosion of the global economy, and how modern technology has raised the cultural awareness of the entire world. Years ago, notice of a financial crisis in Greece may have evoked some sympathy and concern. Today, notice of a financial crisis in Greece causes a huge ripple in the daily economy of the United States, as well as the rest of the world.

Even more today than before, the knowledge and appreciation of other languages and cultures is important in all our lives. A couple of weeks ago, in the Mall, I came across a former student from about 15 years ago, and after the pleasant even joyful greetings, this student expressed to me how the study of Spanish and in particular the study abroad experience in the Mexico Field Course had changed him personally and the course of his life. We, faculty and staff of Classical & Modern Languages & Literatures are excited to be part of this area of learning, where not only academic knowledge is gained, but a love and appreciation for languages and cultures and a better understanding of the world we live in.

Lorum Stratton
Chair
Department of Classical & Modern Languages & Literatures