The Institute for the Study and Economic Engagement of Southern Africa (I SEE SA) at The University of Toledo was founded in 2013 to help strengthen UT’s leadership in international engagement.

ISEE South Africa LogoI SEE SA’s official launch will take place Thursday, April 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in University Hall Room 2370.

“Our goal is to strategically position UT to accomplish three objectives: generate multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary cutting-edge and relevant applied knowledge in a coordinated manner for American and Southern African institutions, facilitate knowledge brokering for institutions between the two regions, and prepare American and Southern African students enrolled in UT courses for leadership positions in institutions concerning the region,” said Dr. Rubin Patterson, professor and chair of the Sociology and Anthropology Department, director of the Africana Studies Program and I SEE SA director.

Featured speakers will include Patterson; Dr. Jamie Barlowe, dean of the College of Languages, Literature and Social Sciences; State Sen. Edna Brown, Ohio Senate District 11; Dr. Richard Weisfelder, professor emeritus of political science and public administration; Aarohi Vijh, vice president of product development at Xunlight; and professionals from the UT community, local entrepreneurs and politicians.