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Herbert Foster, a professor emeritus from the Department of Learning and Instruction, was completely caught off guard on a Friday afternoon. While visiting Edgartown Public Library (EPL) in Massachusetts, of which Foster serves as a trustee, former United States first lady Michelle Obama surprised students, patrons and staff members with an unannounced visit. “Everybody was overwhelmed with joy and we are really hoping our former first lady will become a regular to the library and read more often to the kids,” Foster said.

Lilliam Malavé Lopez, associate professor from the Department of Learning and Instruction (LAI), received her second Fulbright-Hays Program grant to start an 18-month project for language and culture content training along with research through immersion in Mandarin language and Chinese culture. “The purpose of this project is to contribute to the improvement of modern foreign languages and area studies in the U.S. by providing opportunities for faculty, students and teachers to study in a foreign country,” says Malavé Lopez. “We want to increase the Mandarin language capacity and Chinese culture knowledge of the participants.”

George Zion, an alumnus from the Department of Learning and Instruction, was recognized by the College of Engineering Technology at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for being a knowledgeable teacher and mentor. Zion was honored with the 2018-2019 Eisenhart Award for Outstanding Teaching for his ability to build bridges for students making the transition from high school to college.

Assistant Professor and former public library worker Africa Hands shares her insights on why Banned Books Week is critical and what it means for the future of education.