Penn College News

'Culture Cafe' returns travel to academic menu

Friday, March 25, 2022

Faculty members hold display boards touting the Global Experiences trips that they will be leading. From left are Rob Cooley, associate professor of anthropology/environmental science (Alaska); Mary G. Trometter, assistant professor of hospitality management/culinary arts (Italy); Kathleen V. McNaul, LEAP adviser-international (representing Roy H. Klinger, collision repair instructor, traveling with students to Italy and France); and Naim N. Jabbour, assistant professor of architecture (Spain).Stunning images from the various locations on Jabbour's itinerary catch the eye, much like they enticed the 40-plus students booked for the 14-day adventure.Beneath the red and yellow of Spain's national flag, patrons enjoy a tantalizing meal plated by Dining Services workers Michael I. McNary (also a student in emergency management and homeland security) and Mackensie R. Polys.Seafood Paella, among the evening's savory dishesJohn F. Chappo, assistant professor of history/history of technology, talks with Kayla N. Berry, of Waldorf, Md., about international opportunities for learning. Berry is enrolled in the four-year welding and fabrication engineering technology major.Student Affairs' Culture Cafe, held Thursday evening in the Capitol Eatery, allowed the campus community to "Eat, Drink and Travel!" – exploring global learning opportunities while indulging in a Spanish-themed fest. On hand to preview imminent trips, and to whet students' appetite for enlightening travel in future semesters, were faculty members leading excursions to various destinations: a human services and restorative justice trip to Anchorage, working with YWCA Alaska; immersion into Italy's sumptuous cuisine; a tour among the iconic automakers of France and Italy; and a firsthand appreciation of the architecture of Spain.