UB to Celebrate International Education Week with Lectures, Performances, Films

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Journalist David Bornstein, an internationally acclaimed specialist in social innovation, will be the keynote speaker for the University of Buffalo's annual celebration of International Education Week Nov. 14-18.

Author of "How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas," Bornstein will speak at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Student Union Theatre, North Campus.

He defines a social entrepreneur as "someone who energetically and creatively builds or leads an organization that advances a solution to a pressing social problem."

In his talk, titled "How to Make Change Happen: Stories of Social Innovators from Around the Globe," Bornstein will share stories of social innovators who are experimenting with new ideas and models to address social problems in many fields in the U.S. and around the world.

Following his talk, a book signing and social entrepreneurship fair highlighting social entrepreneurs in Buffalo and elsewhere in the U.S. will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Student Union Lobby. The fair is being organized by the UB Undergraduate Academies, Center for Student Leadership & Community Engagement and the Intercultural & Diversity Center.

Co-author of the "Fixes" column in The New York Times, Bornstein also has written for the Atlantic Monthly and co-wrote the PBS documentary "To Our Credit." He is the founder of Dowser.org, a news site that reports on social innovation.

Bornstein's talk is among myriad events being held on the North Campus to mark International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. departments of State and Education to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchanges experience in the United States.

The celebration is particularly relevant at UB, which is first in the nation among comprehensive public research universities in terms of percentage of enrollment that is international. Moreover, nearly 11 percent of UB students study abroad -- five times the national average.

Among the events being held throughout the week are presentations showcasing UB's global outreach efforts, dance and musical performances by UB international student clubs, film screenings and exhibitions. All are free and open to the public, except as noted.

Of particular interest:

-- A screening of the 2010 film "The New Recruits," followed by a student panel discussion moderated by School of Management faculty member John Thomas. The screening will take place at 4 p.m. on Nov. 14 in the Student Union Theater. "The New Recruits" is a documentary about a group of business students with a radical plan to end global poverty: charge poor people for goods and services.

-- "Rhythm of Rajasthan," a performance of the poetry, dance and music of the Great Thar Desert region in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. The concert, sponsored by Triveni and the UB Asian Studies Program, will be held at 8 p.m. Nov. 18 in the Center for the Arts. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $10 for students, and can be purchased at the CFA box office.

-- The Culture in Motion Film Series will present "Green Wave," a documentary on Iran's 2010 Green Revolution, at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 in the Student Union Theater. Commentary will be provided by Mani Mostofi of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran. The screening is sponsored by the Alison L. Des Forges Memorial Committee.

For the full slate of events, visit the International Student and Scholar Services website: http://wings.buffalo.edu/intlservices/special_events.