- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Consulate of Mexico create partnership to promote community education programs

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 16:10:07 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the Consulate of Mexico in Little Rock have created a partnership to advance education initiatives primarily for Mexican nationals, those of Mexican origin, and others interested in Latino culture living in the central Arkansas region. The Consulate of Mexico at Little Rock has provided ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a $5,700 grant for activities that support Mexico’s Education Orientation Window Program to help consulates promote education among Mexican nationals and other Latino groups in the U.S. The program was established in 2017 by the Mexican Secretariat of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the Institute of Mexicans Living Abroad. Conducted in partnership with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Department of World Languages, key activities will include outreach to local high schools and workshops on educational opportunities for adults. “The Department of World Languages has long had an informal relationship with the Consulate of Mexico with respect to a variety of cultural activities,” said Dr. Andrew Deiser, chair of the Department of World Languages. “This newly established formal agreement with the consulate is an opportunity for both entities to fulfill our missions by collaborating on multiple educational initiatives.” As an example of opportunities that can be afforded through this new partnership, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock recently completed a five-week ACT prep program for high school students on Nov. 14. The classes were led by Dr. Edma Delgado-��Ǳ�ó��Դ�, assistant professor of Spanish at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, and �Ѳ��á�� Unidas, a group of Latino mothers dedicated to providing higher education information and opportunities for their children and community. “This is an organization of local moms from central Arkansas who do peer-to-peer advising on how to get their children beyond secondary education,” Delgado-��Ǳ�ó��Դ� said. “There is a need for ACT prep classes, and I thought the university would be interested in bringing students to campus to make them feel more comfortable pursuing higher education.” Around 50 to 60 students attended the workshops, which were conducted with assistance from the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Department of World Languages, Department of Math and Statistics, and TRIO Student Support Services. In 2020, the Consulate of Mexico plans to offer educational workshops that will be open to any member of the public interested in learning more about these educational topics. The classes will include subjects like how to fill out the FAFSA, how to get a GED, tips for getting into college, and educational opportunities in Mexico. These are the types of activities with which ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students and faculty will be engaged.

Surprise family visit makes commencement even more special for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock grad

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 16 May 2019 17:53:28 +0000

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate got the surprise of a lifetime when her family from California flew all night to surprise her on graduation day. Vivian Littrell’s May 11 graduation from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice was already a special event, since the 71-year-old grandmother of four and mother of two was finishing her lifelong goal of earning a college degree. “I decided that I wanted to complete my bachelor’s degree before my youngest grandchildren were out of high school,” said Littrell, a first-generation college student from Little Rock. “I’ve been out of college since 1984, when I last attended Philander Smith College. I wanted to major in adult education with a minor in psychology. That was my objective back then, but now many years later, I have a different agenda.” Littrell has always been passionate about helping others and dreamed of being an attorney. She now hopes to use her degree to help minorities navigate the criminal justice system. “I want to volunteer with a nonprofit to help people navigate the criminal justice system who have no idea what is going on,” she said. “So many people are caught up in the criminal justice system that don’t know anything at all about the procedures, and I want to use my knowledge to help them.” As a divorced single mother, Littrell left college 35 years ago to concentrate on providing for her children. She spent her career working in employment training and counseling and as a recruiter for adult education, so Littrell never forgot the importance of a good education and career. Her family has been immensely supportive and gave her a nudge to return to college. “It was my daughter Tyrneese who suggested that I return to college after I had bilateral knee surgery in 2011,” she said. “She told me to find something to do, and a good thing to do would be to return to school and complete my bachelor’s degree.” When Littrell enrolled at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2013, she took classes on the Little Rock campus but eventually opted to go online because it was more convenient for her as she cares for her 93-year-old mother. She’s grateful to the many professors and staff members who have helped make her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock a success. “When I first came, I was nervous. I’m thankful to Ms. Susan Boling, who helped me a lot. She taught me academic literacy,” Littrell said. “I’m also grateful to criminal justice professors Dr. James Hurst and Dr. Timothy Brown and Ms. Karen Wisdom. Most of my instructors were sensitive to the needs of a nontraditional student and worked with me in getting a clear understanding of what was expected of me. Many of my classmates were kind enough to help me with notetaking in class. I also have to give kudos to the entire staff in Student Support Services and the Disability Resource Center.” Littrell is also especially grateful to Dr. Andrew Deiser, interim chair of the Department of World Languages, who helped her pass her foreign language requirement. “I didn’t know anything about a foreign language, and Dr. Deiser tutored me one-on-one himself,” Littrell said. “There are also two young ladies in that division, Bryana Herrera and Autumn Payne, who tutored me as well. Dr. Deiser has helped me more than any other professor at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. He did everything he could to help me pass my Spanish course. Without him, I wouldn’t have graduated. I also wouldn’t have graduated without the help of my department chair, Dr. Mary Parker, or Reed Claiborne from the Disability Resource Center. ” Since Mother’s Day was the day after graduation, Littrell’s son Corey planned a brunch on Saturday where family members from Bryant, Dumas, Hot Springs, and Little Rock were planning to visit. Littrell, an inquisitive woman who loves a good mystery, had suspicions that her son was keeping a secret.

Graduate Vivian Littrell, right, reacts reacts in shock after her niece Chauntee Coleman, off camera at left, makes a surprise visit to Littrell’s graduation ceremony at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock on May 11. Photo by Ben Krain.

“My son told me I better clean my room before ‘they come,’ and then he trailed off,” she said. “I don’t know who ‘they’ are, and I wonder if someone is coming that I don’t know about.” On the other side of the country, Littrell’s niece, Chauntee Coleman, graduated from the University of Southern California with a Ph.D. in social work on May 10, one day before Littrell’s graduation. Littrell was disappointed that she wouldn’t get to see her niece graduate, but didn’t know her family had a big surprise in store. “My aunt has been the rock of the family and has made many sacrifices for her children, nieces, and nephews along the way,” Coleman said. “My entire family and I flew overnight after my graduation to attend my aunt’s graduation and support the final stop of her educational journey. She was quite disappointed that she would not be able to see me graduate due to the proximity of dates.” At the special brunch where Littrell did not suspect she would receive a surprise visitor, the appearance of her baby sister from California was the first of many surprises. “During the prayer, while we were holding hands, I felt a sudden jerk then opened my eyes. I saw my baby sister standing next to me! They say I jumped out of my shoes!” Littrell said. “At the graduation, Ben Krain (university photographer) came up to me and told me he had another surprise for me. A woman walked out covered in graduation regalia. I couldn’t figure out who it was. When I realized it was my niece, I lost it. I couldn’t believe she was there. It was just so special. And to learn that my niece’s husband and children had come too, it was more than I could take!” Littrell’s special day was made even more perfect since her niece was allowed to attend the ceremony and be by her side as she received her degree. “For the school to take the time to help with this and to let my niece walk and sit with me while I received my degree, it was just overwhelmingly special,” she said. “I will cherish this special moment forever, and I will forever be grateful to God and everyone for making my day so special.” In the upper right photo, Vivian Littrell, right, reacts with tears of joy after her niece Chauntee Coleman, left, makes a surprise visit to Littrell’s graduation ceremony at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Photo by Ben Krain.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock employees’ work showcased at exhibits

Ajani Oyindamola — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 15:10:09 +0000

The work of two University of Arkansas at Little Rock employees is on display at two venues in Little Rock. Gallery 26, which offers custom, do-it-yourself framing and fine art, is showcasing 20 photographs from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock photographer Benjamin Krain. His work is on display until Oct. 27. Gallery 26 is located at 2601 Kavanaugh Suite 1 (Ice House Center), Little Rock. Krain got his start in photography at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, taking photography classes with his favorite professor Gary Cawood, a retired professor of art. He graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 1995 with bachelor’s degrees in art and broadcast journalism. Krain previously worked as a photojournalist with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for 24 years, traveling the world to cover news events in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Marshall Islands, and Haiti. His newest show features random works from his career as well as new pairings of unrelated photos used to form diptychs, pieces of art formed in two parts.

Benjamin Krain’s diptych features two photos demonstrating the devastation of New Orleans flooding from Hurricane Katrina and the damage from a tornado in Moore, Oklahoma.

A ��Vlog��ý Little Rock faculty member, Dr. Andrew J. Deiser, interim chair of the Department of World Languages, has a love of art as well as language. His display of 13 evocative oil and watercolor landscapes is being shown at Community Bakery, 1200 Main St., Little Rock, through Oct. 31. The paintings feature Pinnacle Mountain, Broadway Bridge, the Arkansas State Capitol building, and the Cathedral Apartments. “The major theme to the exhibit is Arkansas landscapes, both urban and from West Little Rock,” Deiser said. Deiser has been painting and drawing since the age of 10. In 2012, Deiser took a plein air (French for painting outdoors) workshop with German artist Guido Frick, where he became “hooked on painting outdoors.” He has received mentoring from local artist Arden Boyce and has taken workshops with artists Brian Mark Taylor, Trey McCarley, and Lori Putnam. In summer 2017, Deiser was selected as an artist-in-residence at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Andrew Deiser’s “Surprise on the Broadway Bridge is one of several paintings on display at Community Bakery in Little Rock.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock certificate program in workplace Spanish helps meet demand for bilingual workers

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 13:30:42 +0000

With a growing need for bilingual workers in the workforce, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has a certificate in workplace Spanish that enables workers to gain the language skills needed to engage Spanish speakers on the job. “We developed the certificate with students from other disciplines in mind, so that the certificate would help students in whatever profession they decide to pursue,” said Dr. Andrew Deiser, interim chair of the Department of World Languages. “It’s also for people in the community who want to gain an intermediate level of Spanish to use in their workplaces. They can have the certificate to show their employer that they have gained these language skills.” The, which began in 2016, is designed for working professionals who are looking to build a strong foundation in the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures, but may not have enough time to complete a degree. The certificate program is also a good fit for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students in academic programs that do not have enough flexible hours to complete a second major or minor in Spanish. “It’s attractive to students from a variety of disciplines. They can complete the certificate in just 15 hours, rather than a minor that is 18-21 hours,” Deiser said. “It’s attractive to professionals who may not want to earn a whole degree or even a minor, but who can come out with an intermediate level of Spanish-speaking ability to use in their careers. Not only are students gaining proficiency in Spanish, but we are also teaching them about Hispanic culture. Students are acquiring language skills as well as cultural competence.” The 15-hour certificate in the can be taken completely online. Traditional face-to-face classes are also available. Students who can demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in Spanish can enter the certificate program without taking Intermediate Spanish 1 and 2.

Dr. Andrew Deiser

The certificate program is a popular choice among healthcare professionals, remarked Deiser, who recalled that many nurses are entering the program so they can better communicate with Spanish-speaking patients. Students and professionals working in law, business, and criminal justice fields also find the certificate helpful. shows that the demand for bilingual workers in the United States more than doubled, with about 240,000 job postings aimed at bilingual workers in 2010 increasing to 630,000 postings in 2015. Lucee Lugo, a senior interdisciplinary studies major, is joining the certificate program in the fall to gain greater proficiency in the Spanish language. “I work as a patient care technician at Baptist Health, so speaking Spanish well is an asset. Having experience dealing with a second language is something that employers look for and can put you over the top when applying for a job. Since it’s only 15 credit hours, it’s a great chance to go ahead and get a certificate that will be of great value in the future.” Lugo, whose father is from Puerto Rico, said learning more Spanish will also help her connect with her Hispanic roots and the Hispanic community in her hometown of De Queen, Arkansas. “My dad is a pastor of a Hispanic church, and De Queen has a large Hispanic population,” she said. “Growing up, the Hispanic culture is something I really love. My dad is fluent, but I did not grow up speaking Spanish, so it gives me a chance to learn about my own culture.” For more information about the certificate in workplace Spanish, contact Dr. Deiser at 501-569-8158 or ajdeiser@ualr.edu.

Summer language programs available in Costa Rica, France, and Spain

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 15:57:08 +0000

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Department of World Languages is offering three opportunities for students to improve their language skills while studying abroad in Costa Rica, France, and Spain. With each program, students can earn six credit hours while learning about the language and culture of the country through homestays with local residents and cultural excursions. Applications for the trips are due March 15. Participants can stay in San Jose, Costa Rica, from May 30 to June 30. The cost is $4,050 plus airfare. Participants will also visit El Escorial, Madrid, and Toledo. Contact Maria Rodriguez at mmrodriguez@uarl.edu for more information. The June 17 to July 21 trip to Orleans, France, costs $4,850, which includes airfare. Students will also spend a week in Paris and take a day trip to Versailles. Contact Zachary Hagins at zrhagins@ualr.edu for more information. Finally, students can visit Granada, Spain, from June 25 to Aug. 1 for $5,150 plus airfare. Contact Andrew Deiser at ajdeiser@ualr.edu for more information.

- University News Archive - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock, Consulate of Mexico create partnership to promote community education programs

Surprise family visit makes commencement even more special for ����Vlog��ý Little Rock grad