MILLIKIN ACADEMIC
INTERDISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
March 3, 2017
WELCOME TO THE 7TH ANNUAL MILLIKIN ACADEMIC INTERDISCIPLINARY
CONFERENCE!
.
The Millikin Academic Interdisciplinary Conference (MAIC) conference affords participants the space to
exchange ideas, initiatives, and goals about the ways in which diversity could get negotiated more
collaboratively within the classroom and outside of it. With this scope in mind, presenters are considering the
bedrock of our lives as democratic citizens as well as academic stakeholders. Faculty, students, staff, and other
professionals committed to equity and diversity in higher education, are joining members of the community and
friends of Millikin to share/discuss strategies and perspectives on how we might perform inclusivity even better.
Conference topics include, but are not limited to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Culturally responsive teaching
Modeling cultural equity in communities, classrooms, etc.
Supporting and developing first-generation college students
Identity and belonging (multiculturalism, tolerance, and recognition)
Education and learning in a world of differences
Integration through collaboration
Transnational feminism
Inclusive solutions to the injustices of differences
Organizational diversity
Diverse living and learning communities
Curricular and instructional frameworks for addressing diversity
Language diversity and learning new languages
Ethics and inclusive education
Ecological or biological diversity
Inclusive learning that acknowledges gender fluidity (LGBTIQA)
Literary and cultural representations of minorities
Higher education’s role in engaging and confronting homophobia, sexism, and racism
2
Keynote speaker
NILDA FLORES-GONZALEZ
Nilda Flores-Gonzalez is an associate professor with a joint appointment in
Sociology and Latin American and Latino Studies at the University of Illinois
at Chicago. Her work focuses on race and ethnicity, children and youth,
identity, Latino sociology and education. Her current research explores the
effects of racialization on the ways in which Latino youth understand
citizenship and belonging and struggle with their paradoxical status as
marginalized citizens and as racial minorities. She is currently writing a book
on this topic. She is co-director of two on-going research projects: Immigrant
Mobilization Project and the New Destinations in an Old Gateway: The
Interplay between Public and Private Actors in Shaping Local Immigration
Policy. She is also the incoming co-editor of the leading sociology journal
Social Problems. Professor Flores-Gonzalez is the author of School Kids,
Street Kids: Identity Development in Latino Students (Teachers College Press
2002), co-editor of Marcha: Latino Chicago in the Immigrant Rights
Movement (University of Illinois Press 2010) and co-editor of Immigrant
Women Workers in the Neoliberal Era (University of Illinois Press 2013). Additionally, she has published
articles and book chapters on various topics such as race and Latino identity, youth and social justice,
immigrant education, Puerto Rican high achieving students, extracurricular participation and retention, and the
Puerto Rican community of Chicago. Professor Flores-Gonzalez has received funding from the Ford
Foundation, the National Science Foundation and the Russell Sage Foundation.
3
GENE TANTA
I see myself as a writer and artist. My work oscillates between poetry and visual
art. As a writer, I am in the process of finalizing a bilingual contemporary
Romanian poetry anthology called “Biography after Communism” begun in
Bucharest with the support of a Fulbright grant (2012-13). As a visual artist, my
current project is series of works on paper where faces and four-letter words
interact—these projected Googled images and stenciled letters become a
palimpsest of choices (of where to look) and interpretations (of what meaning to
assign) for viewers. The faces of MLK, Emma Goldman, John Lennon, and the
like haunt because they have been pruned from society by assassination. These
images, however, are more than martyr portraits documenting thwarted civil
rights movements, political ideologies, or aesthetic visions. These images present
aesthetic treatment of iconic, as well as unknown, faces of killed activists. The dead want to speak again so we
may reflect on why they died … and what died with them. No monuments to nostalgia, but a mourning with
purpose. I am using food dyes because they saturate the paper better than inks and because I used to live near
the Indian and Pakistani grocery stores along Devon avenue in Chicago. Both the anthology and the works on
paper strive to entertain by appealing to classical aesthetic principles and bear witness to historical moments.
4
MAIC 2017 Program Schedule
11:00-11:50
Pre-conference meet and greet, with keynote speaker Nilda Flores-Gonzalez (Lower RTUC)
12:00
Registration and lunch (Lower RTUC)
12:15
Welcome by Dr. J. Mark Munoz (Lower RTUC)
12:20
Opening remarks by Dr. Pat White (Lower RTUC)
12:30
Introduction of speaker by Dr. Jeff Aper (Lower RTUC)
12:45-1:45
Keynote address: Dr. Nilda Flores-Gonzalez: Citizens but not Americans: Race and Belonging among Latino Millennials Lower
(RTUC)
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Sessions
2:00-2:20
2:25-2:45
ADM-Scovill 207
ADM-Scovill 211
ADM-Scovill 213
Session Chair: Najiba Benabess
Session Chair: Laura Ledford
Session Chairs: Molly Berry and Joel
Blanco
Challenges in Education: Meeting the
Needs of Diversity and Inclusion with the
English as a Second Language (ESL),
Bilingual, & Special Education
Endorsements
Presenters: Joyce Bezdicek, Hee Young
Choi, Denice Love & Georgette Page
Realities of Innovation and Diversity in
Small Enterprises: Implications in the
Academe
Presenters: Anthony Liberatore and J.
Mark Munoz
Helping to create a culture of inclusive
excellence in the classroom through syllabus Mexican Artists in the Early 1900s
language
Presenters: Francisco Gama and
Presenters: Tom Robson, Kimmie Mungaray Rogelio Diaz
and Molly Berry
Diversity as an (in) Visible Treasure: The
Pursuit of Belonging in Ralph Ellison’s
Invisible Man
Presenter: Paul Toure
Wait, They Were Gay? The Erasure of
LBGTQ+ Identity in Art History
Presenter: Natalie Zelman
5
2:50-3:10
Creating an Inclusive Classroom: A
Discussion of Microagressions
Presenter: Kimberly Mungaray
The Weight of Tolerance
Presenter: Gene Tanta
Para Ser Vivos Y Sentir La Angustia:
Delving into Frida Kahlo's Art
Presenter: Genesis Brito Perez
3:15-3:35
Everyone Should See the World:
Steps for
Improving Outreach to Underrepresented
Students in Education Abroad
Presenters: Carrie S. Trimble and Briana
Stephens
Nationalism, Racism and Xenophobia in Fin
de Siglo México: the Chinese Massacre in
Torréon
Presenter: Julio Enriquez-Ornelas
Your Seat at The Table
Presenter: Josh Miller
3:40-4:00
The Millikin Medal for Excellence in Young
Adult Literature
Presenters: Amand Pippitt & Rachel
Bicicchi
4:05-4:25
4:30-4:50
Professional Diversity
Presenter: Aaron Wemple
Critical Librarianship
Presenters: Rachel Bicicchi, Matthew
Olsen, Amanda Pippitt
Hispanic Latino Entrepreneurship Study:
Implications in the Academe Presenters:
Mark Munoz and Eduardo Cabrera
Breaking the Self: Redefining Cultural
Identity Through Short-term
International Programs
Presenter: Matthew Gremo
Contemporary Voices, An intersection of
Visual and Literary Art
Presenters: Jessa Wilcoxen
Korean International Students’
Reconstructing Self-Identities toward Global
Citizenship: Through Exploration on
Multiculturalism in the US. Presenters: Hee
Young Choi and Brandy Barter-Storm
Mi propia cultura: rompiendo los
estereotipos blancos y latinos
Presenter: Deborah Corr
6
ABSTRACTS BY CONCURRENT TIMING
2:00-2:20
Challenges in Education: Meeting the Needs of Diversity and Inclusion with the English as a Second Language
(ESL), Bilingual, & Special Education Endorsements. Presenters: Joyce Bezdicek, Hee Young Choi, Denice
Love & Georgette Page
Classroom teachers are faced with many challenges in meeting the needs of children in their classes. Some of
these challenges involve meeting the needs of children who speak languages other than English and children
with special education needs. In the School of Education, we’ve designed courses to specifically prepare our
education students (future teachers) for meeting these challenges with courses for the English as a Second
Language (ESL), bilingual, and special education endorsements. These endorsements have been approved by
the Illinois State Board of Education and require our education students to complete 18 credits as well as 100
clock hours. At this point we’ve graduated numerous traditional and PACE cohorts with these endorsements
and as faculty we feel the endorsements are an essential component of our education programs in early
childhood, elementary and secondary education. Our goal is to prepare our education students with the
knowledge base and skills to effectively meet the needs of all children. With this goal in mind we are reaching
out to our graduates to learn their perspectives. We will be sharing information from our graduates about these
endorsements and their perspectives on how these endorsements have prepared them to address the needs of
diversity and inclusion in U.S. schools.
Helping to create a culture of inclusive excellence in the classroom through syllabus language. Presenters: Tom
Robson, Kimmie Mungaray and Molly Berry
Explore why the use of syllabus language can help create an open and inclusive space within the classroom. In a
climate of changing student demographics and “trigger warnings”, syllabus language is even more important to
help students understand their fit in the classroom environment. Presenters will give examples of syllabi and
explain how they made the changes in their own classes to convey an inclusive space for all students. This
presentation will address preferred pronouns, language choice, trigger warnings, and discuss various first day of
class techniques to set up the course for inclusive excellence.
Mexican Artists in the Early 1900s Presenters: Francisco Gama and Rogelio Diaz
The purpose of the presentation is to show how a few great Mexican artists in the early 1900’s moved into the
U.S. and influenced and guided American artists away from European modernism and helped them move
towards the reintroduction of mural art and use the mural art for political and social protesting.
2:25-2:45
Realities of Innovation and Diversity in Small Enterprises: Implications in the Academe. Presenters: Anthony
Liberatore and J. Mark Munoz
Research indicates that diversity of talent contributes positively to innovation and enterprise success. If this is
true, then enterprises that fail to maximize the productivity of talent will inevitably fall behind in competitive
markets. It is in the self-interest of an enterprise and its stakeholders to tap into, grow and develop diverse
talent. This article explores the realities of small enterprises in creating and managing teams of diverse talent
and discusses its implications in the academe.
Diversity as an (in) Visible Treasure: The Pursuit of Belonging in Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man
Presenter: Paul Toure
Since the election of Barack Obama as the first African-American president of the United States, the notion of
diversity is increasingly appearing for some people as a suspicious, complexed, and even an invalid (invisible)
social agenda. These individuals argue that asking for a more diversely social behavior in our communities or
workplaces is an attempt to somehow downgrade or suppress the free expression of their personality, ideas, and
social/racial preferences. Using insights from self-perception theories (Daryl J. Bem) and from the book College
Students’ Sense of Belonging: A Key to Educational Success for All Students by Terrell L. Strayhorn, this paper
aims at demonstrating that while the opponents of diversity may have a valid argument, they might also neglect
to see that the consciousness of diversity still remains our most valid (visible) collective treasure. The very
notions of identity and belonging are fruits of a more advantageous social body, a true treasure that advances a
convivial living. As such, this paper does not reread Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man as a reminder of the long
history of inequality and prejudices in the history of the United States, it also argues that, for all Americans in
general and for African-American college Students in particular, Invisible Man can also teach us that the post
Barack Obama era is the best time of self-knowledge but also of knowledge of others. Such process can
ultimately help individuals to advocate for more representations of minorities in our workplaces in our learning
institutions.
Wait, They Were Gay? The Erasure of LBGTQ+ Identity in Art History Presenter: Natalie Zelman
This research looks at the representation of LGBTQ+ identity of artists within documented art history, and at
the vital importance of that representation. Artists whose artwork does not directly confront their queer identity
often have those aspects of themselves glossed over in academic texts while artists who create significant work
informed by their queer identities face a sole focus on those parts of their careers, ignoring the rest of their
work. A lack of documentation of these parts of historic artist’s identities is detrimental to young queer artists
who would look up to them as role models with whom they could identify with. This presentation addresses the
importance of LGBTQ+ representation within the canons of art history as it applies to historic, present, and
future artists.
2:50-3:10
Creating an Inclusive Classroom: A Discussion of Microagressions. Presenter: Kimberly Mungaray
Drawing from Chester Pierce’s notion of “microaggresion,” I intend to present a brief
explanation/contextualization of our understanding of inclusivity, microaggressions, and microresistance. I will
engage the audience by inquiring how these concepts of inclusivity, microaggressions, and microresistance
relate to their campus or classroom environment. I am also interested in fostering a discussion in which we
apply the same concepts presented, in order to produce a rich and fruitful discussion surrounding inclusivity,
microaggressions, and microresistance. I also seek to encourage the audience to interrogate or problematize
these terms to broaden our very understanding of practicing inclusivity in the classroom environment.
The Weight of Tolerance. Presenter: Gene Tanta
These visual artworks were completed during the winter of 2015-16 here in Decatur, IL. I plan to introduce the
works by framing them with my intentions: (1) to spotlight how language and portraiture bleed into one another
and (2) to spark conversations about the role of charismatic leaders in civil, aesthetic, and political discourses.
After framing the works, I plan to open up the floor to questions about the value of democratic ideals such as
mutual tolerance, diversity of perspectives and backgrounds, and freedom of expression … especially in light of
self-censorship.
8
Para Ser Vivos Y Sentir La Angustia: Delving into Frida Kahlo's Art. Presenter: Genesis Brito Perez
Genesis will analize Frida Kahlo and her use of medical imagery to express pain. By using her diary as a source,
she has gotten an in depth look into her mental and physical deterioration, while using painting as a form of
rehabilitation.
3:15-3:35
Everyone Should See the World:
Steps for Improving Outreach to Underrepresented Students in Education
Abroad. Presenters: Carrie S. Trimble and Briana Stephens
For an institution with a mission of preparing students for democratic citizenship in a global society, education
abroad programs and courses seem an essential element for all students; yet White college students comprise a
disproportionately high percentage of enrollment in travel courses and semester abroad opportunities nationwide (NAFSA, 2016) and at Millikin University. To improve the educational experience of all Millikin students
and to improve the opportunities for underrepresented students to participate in education abroad, the Center for
International Education is implementing a new research and outreach program. Focused on student-centric
design thinking, Center staff will moderate discussions within the structure of existing student organizations to
collect information on student concerns and to share information about education abroad possibilities.
Participant feedback will be used to identify students interested in education abroad and to create a proactive
outreach program. Results of the research and action steps taken as a result will be shared with Millikin
Interdisciplinary Faculty Conference attendees as well as short-term response to the new outreach program.
Nationalism, Racism and Xenophobia in Fin de Siglo México: the Chinese Massacre in Torréon. Presenter:
Julio Enriquez-Ornelas
Julián Herbert in La casa del dolor ajeno (2015) and Robert Chao Romero in The Chinese in Mexico, 18841940 (2010) seek to reimagine Fin-de-Siglo México by going against the grain of Mexican History. Herbert and
Romero base their texts during an in-between time in history, the Chinese Massacre in Torreón, which occurs
soon after the end of the Porfirian era of modernization (1876-1910) and the beginning of the Mexican
Revolution. In this act of xenophobia and genocide, Francisco I. Madero’s revolutionary forces in the name of
nationalism massacred 303 Chinese immigrants. I am interested in how this atrocity is negotiated and how the
two texts intersect. I maintain Herbert and Romero’s national identity impact the locality of their perspective in
history when imagining Fin-de Siglo Mexico; Herbert was born in Mexico and lives in Coahuila, meanwhile
Romero is a Chicano of Chinese-Mexican descent who lives in California. Despite their divergent national
identities, Herbert and Romero situate Fin-de-Siglo Mexico in the same temporality, the Chinese Massacre in
Torreón. I contend they incorporate forgotten events from the past and appropriate ignored material cultures in
order to destabilize the traditional historical discourse and cultural imagination of the Mexican Revolution and
its leaders, despite the impossibility of such “sublime desire”.
Your Seat at The Table. Presenter: Josh Miller
In this presentation, we will explore the importance that everyone has in the journey to creating a more
inclusive space for everyone. How do we interact with our communities and each other and how does that
influence how we as people are seen in our every day to day lives? Through activities and discussion, we will
tackle some of the issues of society and try to the gaps left by history. Join Joshua Miller in finding out how
your seat at the table is important and necessary.
9
3:40-4:00
The Millikin Medal for Excellence in Young Adult Literature. Presenters: Amand Pippitt and Rachel Bicicchi
In Fall 2015, a group of Millikin faculty and students established the Millikin Medal for Excellence in Young
Adult Literature. Using funding from a Millikin Performance Learning Enhancement Grant (PLEG), the
project brought together future educators, writers, historians, librarians, and parents to establish and facilitate a
sustainable literary award, currently in its second year. The Millikin Medal has allowed students to experience
first-hand how awards committees determine their award criteria, how committee members work together to
choose their winner, and how to handle the public relations that follow. In their post-graduation lives, these
students may teach award-winning literature, serve on award committees, encourage overall literacy, write their
own books, or help children in their network of family and friends find outstanding literature. As future
educators or parents, they may also experience challenges or attempts at literary censorship, which increasingly
affects titles with “diverse” content. The presenters will describe how diversity became an important part of the
committee’s definition of “literary excellence,” and discuss the committee’s process for judging nominees
during the award’s first two years. They will also discuss how these activities led to valuable experiences
gained in critical thinking, participatory deliberation and debate, and professional communication, as well as
exposure to diverse authors, characters, plots, and literary styles through the books read.
Professional Diversity Presenter: Aaron Wemple
At Millikin we learned that there are two different levels of diversity. Surface-level diversity is sometimes
thought of as issues like race, gender, age, ethnicity, etc. But once people get to know one another like in
professional environments, then they become less interested in shallow differences and share more important
characteristics such as personality and values. Professional diversity is a form of deep-level diversity. It looks
at different professions and how they might compare and contrast because this is important for an
organizational leader to be familiar with in these ever-changing times. Once we understand how various
professions differ from each other, and how various professions can combine with each other, then it leads to
not only reducing redundancies (which saves time, effort, & money) but also leads to reinforced professions for
major projects that would require it. My presentation of professional diversity studies the professions of
scientists, stock brokers, psychologists, attorneys, and engineers. It describes each profession in detail and
looks at when and where various where hybrid professions might harm the economy
4:05-4:25
Critical Librarianship. Presenters: Rachel Bicicchi, Matthew Olsen, and Amanda Pippitt
Libraries and librarians have a long history of providing unbiased, accurate, and equitable access to
information. However, a growing movement in librarianship that draws from critical theory addresses the ways
that knowledge is situated in and often used to reinforce existing power structures. Critical librarianship seeks
to expose and challenge those structures and to work with individuals to find and use information in an
inclusive, ethical, and transformative way. This presentation will explore critical librarianship in three forms
relevant to academic libraries: critical approaches to organizing information, critical approaches to archives and
special collections, and critical information literacy. Challenges to dated professional vocabulary used by
librarians to organize information resources is one way critical librarianship has influenced the field of
technical services. In archives, it encourages students to explore and actively challenge inherent biases in the
creation of the archival record, expose and teach hidden histories, and break through existing barriers between
users and collections. Critical information literacy involves helping students ask how and why systems of
information creation and dissemination (including libraries) are arranged, who and what they privilege, and
how things could be changed to allow for additional voices and perspectives. In each case the presenters will
explore ways that critical librarianship can be used to empower Millikin students.
10
Hispanic Latino Entrepreneurship Study: Implications in the Academe Presenters: Mark Munoz and Eduardo
Cabrera
The Hispanic Latino Community is the largest minority group in the US with current numbers exceeding 50
million. Using findings from a study on Hispanic Latino entrepreneurs, the authors review and discuss key
attributes of Hispanic Latinos and implications to the academe.
Breaking the Self: Redefining Cultural Identity Through Short-Term International Programs.Presenter:
Matthew Gremo
An absurd amount of literature exists in relation to the benefits of long-term international exchange programs
operating within the United States. However, the majority of research maintains a framework centered on the
use of such programs as economic systems which open the floodgates for improved recruitment and retention
rates. As such, a focus on the benefits of short-term multicultural programs often falls by the wayside. It is
likely that this void in studies surrounding such benefits is inherently linked to an inability to measure said
benefits through a quantitative lens. Or rather, the optimistic way to view such a void is related as such. The
far more cynical assertion would be to suggest that the actual multicultural experience required to genuinely
exemplify the value of diverse communities and experiences is not valued by western universities as much as
the bottom line. Through the implementation of a genuine performance learning and neo-racism framework, the
bilateral benefits of short-term multicultural programs will be explored in a study of their effects on the cultural
identities of international Korean students.
4:30-4:50
Contemporary Voices, An intersection of Visual and Literary Art. Presenters: Jessa Wilcoxen
Professor Jessa Wilcoxen partnered with Northern Illinois University’s English Department to create an
exhibition that explores the intersection of visual and literary art. The literary art publication, Contemporary
Voices, showcases the work of NIU’s developmental writers. Their narratives give a profound insight to the
challenges that these particular students face in their home lives and their past. Students from the Millikin
University Computer Art and Design Orientation class were given the task of honoring these stories by
highlighting the emotions or worldview of the author through a piece of original digital art. Additionally, the
Millikin University students were asked to explore the design techniques for type and image interaction of
Separation, Fusion, Fragmentation, or Inversion. After viewing the exhibition at the entrance to the conference,
join Professor Wilcoxen and a few of her students for a time of sharing, analysis, and discussion. Hear their
perspectives on how their digital art was directly influenced by the personal essays and their reflection on how
this experience has expanded their own worldview and has connected them in a unique way to someone from a
very different path whom they have never met.
Korean International Students’ Reconstructing Self-Identities toward Global Citizenship: Through Exploration
on Multiculturalism in the US. Presenters: Hee Young Choi and Brandy Barter-Storm
This study examines the unique experiences of Korean international college students who have participated in
the three weeks summer program which was held at a US college in the Midwest. In this study, we articulate
more nuanced views of how Korean international students have reclaimed their self-identities, global
citizenship, and right to speak through experiencing equity, diversity, and multiculturalism in the US. We
explore how culturally and linguistically diverse international students have embraced their fluid identities in
the ways that blur the boundaries of citizenship, language, and nationality (Ong, 1999).
11
“Case Narrative” method was applied to acquire a thorough knowledge of the daily lives of the participants,
their motivation and experiences of the Summer Program, and the way they constructed, and continue to
construct, their self-identities. Four Korean college students participated in this study. The results revealed that
those Korean international students reconstructed their sound self-identities through experience of creating
welcoming academic community among them and receiving hospitality from the people of the host culture.
Mi propia cultura: rompiendo los estereotipos blancos y latinos. Presenter: Deborah Corr
In this testimony, I reflect on Pat Mora’s poem “Elena,” Richard Rodriguez’s essay “Hambre de memoria,” and
the film Mi familia, directed by Gregory Nava as they connect with my idea of “mi propia cultura,” which goes
beyond the stereotypical perception of someone from my cultural and linguistic background. Although born in a
dominantly white society, I grew to become incredibly passionate in a culture and language so different than my
own. I argue how these texts and films allowed me to relate with people of Latino culture, yet they have also
amplified the fact that I will never truly belong to the Latino culture nor the culture I was born into. After
analyzing these works, I was finally able to relate to Pat Mora, Richard Rodriguez, and the characters in Mi
familia, yet also feel excluded from this very same culture. This testimony hasn’t necessarily allowed me to
determine a singular culture to define myself, but rather, allowed me to embrace that I am my own culture; a
hybrid between American and Latino.
12
Presenters’ Biographies:
Barter-Storm Brandy
Brandy has been a lecturer at the English Language Center (ELC) since 2013. She regularly teaches Reading,
Speaking & Listening, Vocabulary, and American Studies to diverse groups of ESL students representing more
than 15 countries. She has a Masters degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and
is currently pursuing licensure in Secondary Education, English Language Arts with an ESL endorsement.
Berry Molly
Molly Berry started working at Millikin University in 2007. Originally from Ohio, she graduated from Bluffton
University with her Bachelor of Arts in Communication, and Bowling Green State University with her Master
of Arts in College Student Personnel. Her current role is the Director of the Office of Inclusion and Student
Engagement, and finds great joy in working to stamp out the darkness of hate on a daily basis. The greatest
fulfillment of her work comes in helping students wrestle with the hard questions, and make meaning of their
calling in life.
Bezdicek Joyce
Joyce Bezdicek is an associate professor in the School of Education. She teaches early childhood education
classes as well as classes for the English (ESL) and the bilingual endorsements. Joyce's research interests
include teacher preparation for working with emerging bilinguals, the integration of home language and culture
in the classroom, and engaging children in learning with the Project Approach.
Bicicchi Rachel
Rachel Bicicchi is Associate Professor, Educational Technology Coordinator, and Research and Instruction
Librarian here at Millikin. She is in her seventh year supporting faculty use of Moodle, Turnitin, and other
tools in the classroom, and always enjoys the opportunity to talk about new technologies and pedagogy. She
also facilitates the popular faculty book group during the summer months. She regularly reviews books for
Feminist Collections: A Quarterly Resource in Women’s and Gender Studies and is a past member of the
American Library Association's Women's and Gender Studies Collections Committee. On campus, Rachel is
Chair of the Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC), the Secretary of the Committee on
Scholarship and Faculty Development, and the Faculty Convener. She is the library liaison to the
Communication, English, History and Political Science, Math, and Physics departments and for the gender
studies minor.
Brito Perez Genesis
Genesis is a stduent majoring in Stage Management and Spanish, with a minor in Gender Studies. She is from
Kenosha, Wisconsin.
13
Cabrera Eduardo
Dr. Eduardo Cabrera is a Professor of Spanish and Chair of the Department of Modern Languages at Millikin
University. He is a playwright, theatre researcher and critic. Currently he is also the Chief for AP Spanish
Literature and Culture appointed by the College Board and Educational Testing Service. The organization
Illinois Humanities selected Dr. Eduardo Cabrera to be included on its 2016-2017 Road Scholars Speakers
Bureau roster. Dr. Cabrera got his Ph.D. in Spanish with specialization in Latin American Theatre at the
University of California, Irvine. Dr. Cabrera published a number of articles about literature, theatre, culture and
politics in professional journals of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Germany, México, Perú, Spain and the
United States. He also published three books: Teatro argentino. La dirección teatral en Buenos Aires (The
Edwin Mellen Press); Teatro para la clase y el escenario (with 7 of his own plays), and the collection of short
stories: Cuentos de inmigrantes en los Estados Unidos. Dr. Cabrera’s most recent awards at Millikin University
include: Research and Artistic Achievement Award (2013), Teaching Excellence Award (2014), and the John C.
Griswold Distinguished Professorship for Modern Language (2016-2018).
Choi Hee Young
Professor Hee Young Choi has joined as an Assistant Professor in the School of Education in the College of
Professional Studies. Hee Young received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His
research interests include exploring how to build learners’ positive identities and integrating diverse
communities for students’ everyday learning in the active learning environment. His teaching interests focus on
diversity in terms of cultural background and linguistic competence and builds an academic community to
support students’ learning within social groups and everyday activities.
Corr Deborah
A sophomore at Millikin University studying to achieve a BFA in Studio Art as well as a BA in Spanish. She
has been taking Spanish courses since fourth grade and has fallen in love with the culture and language.
Diaz Rogelio
Rogelio Diaz is a sophomore who is working towards becoming a Graphic Designer and who will be graduating
with his BFA in May of 2019 from Millikin University in Decatur. Rogelio attended MacArthur High School,
where he tried to make the most of his time and participate in as many extracurricular activities as possible. His
most recent artwork was exhibited in the Arts Tech show, fall of 2016 at Millikin University. He has always
been dedicated and hardworking when trying to achieve his goals. Rogelio finds the positives and works around
the obstacles to achieve his dreams. After graduation, he attends to work with companies and industries making
designs and logos.
Enriquez-Ornelas Julio
Gama Francisco
Francisco Gama is a Junior at Millikin University double majoring with a BFA in Art focusing on Graphic
Design and Drawing, and a second degree in Spanish. He is currently the president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon
from the Illinois Delta Chapter at Millikin University. He served as the House Manager for Sigma Alpha
Epsilon and was an IFC Representative. He also worked for the Spanish Department as a facilitator to help
14
students in the beginning level Spanish classes to practice the language. Known as "Cisco," he is a 21-year-old
proud “anchor baby” trying to prove something to the world. He loves to draw highly detailed and complicated
drawings with high contrast that allow him represent who he is and the experiences he’s had in one way or
another. After graduating college, he plans on continuing his education by searching for a tattoo apprenticeship
and taking his learning process to become a tattoo artist.
Gremo Matthew
Matthew Gremo is a Senior English Education major with an endorsement in English as a Second
Language. At Millikin, Matthew has acted as the president of Sigma Tau Delta, the Scholarship Chair and
Alumni Relations Chair for Delta Sigma Phi, the Conversation Clinic Facilitator for Millikin's English
Language Center, a writing consultant for Millikin's Writing Center, and as an editor for both Millikin's Premier
Writers and Collage. Outside of traditional academics, it is Matthew's goal to discover new ways of integrating
gaming and graphic literature into the English Language Arts classroom as an avenue to engage all students in a
more genuine and authentic discussion of contemporary literature. Due to an inability to relate to other human
beings through social interaction, Matthew has turned to writing as a means to keep as much distance as
possible between himself and others.
Liberatore Anthony
Anthony Liberatore is Millikin University’s Hermann Chair of Management Development and Director of the
Tabor School of Business MBA program. Dr. Liberatore co-authored a widely distributed Quarterly Economic
and Financial Forecast for over a decade and has been a recipient of several teaching awards. He serves as CEO
and Chairman of the Board of Illini Corporation, an Illinois bank holding company.
Love Denice
Denice Love is an Assistant Professor of Elementary and Special Education. Over the years she has enjoyed a
variety of positions from Special Educator to Consultant. She’s been fortunate enough to have worked abroad in
England and in four different states and has called Illinois home for the last 15 years. She is very interested in
helping families and educators meet the needs of children with disabilities. Her current research projects
examine how teachers and parents can help students with special needs find greater academic success and social
integration in their school communities. She enjoys working with her Millikin students and colleagues
immensely.
Miller Josh
Josh is a junior BFA Acting major who just returned from a semester of study abroad in the London program.
He is a Long-Vanderburg scholar, part of the residence life staff, a member of Brothers Moving Forard,
Multicultural Voices of Prasie, and served as Mr. Ebony this past year.
Mungaray Kimmie
Kimmie Mungaray is an assistant professor of accounting at Millikin University. She currently serves on the
committee on curriculum, the committee overseeing the gender and women studies minor and the President’s
commission for inclusive excellence. Additionally, Kimmie is an at-large member of the International
Leadership Association’s finance committee. Before joining Millikin University in fall of 2014, Kimmie spent
over twenty-five years in the accounting profession most recently as an audit manager at Kresge, Platt and
Abare, PLLC (KPA), a small local firm in St. Augustine, Florida. Kimmie holds both a Masters of Accounting
from the University of North Florida and a Masters of Arts in Pastoral Ministries from St. Mary’s University of
Minnesota. She expects to complete her a PhD in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University in
2018. Kimmie is a licensed CPA in the State of Florida, member of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants and is yellow book certified. Kimmie’s research interests focus on women and leadership in
professional service firms as well as qualitative aspects of risk assessment during an audit.
15
Munoz Mark
J. Mark Munoz is a Professor of International Business at Millikin University in Illinois, and a former Visiting
Fellow at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He is a recipient of several awards
including four Best Research Paper Awards, an international book award, a literary award, and the ACBSP
Teaching Excellence Award among others. Aside from top-tier journal publications, he has authored/edited/coedited nine books namely: Land of My Birth, Winning Across Borders, In Transition, A Salesman in Asia,
Handbook of Business Plan Creation, International Social Entrepreneurship, Contemporary Microenterprises:
Concepts and Cases, Handbook on the Geopolitics of Business and Hispanic-Latino Entrepreneurship.
Olsen Matthew
Matthew Olsen is Assistant Professor, Instructional Services Coordinator, Interlibrary Loan Coordinator, and
Research and Instruction Librarian. This is his fourth year at Millikin. Each year, Matthew coordinates the
curriculum and scheduling for all of the library instruction in the first year Seminar and CWRR I & CWRR II
classes, and is also in charge the library’s assessment efforts. Matthew is a member of Millikin’s Committee on
Teacher Education Programs, the CARLI Instruction Committee, and is the subject editor for the philosophy
section of Resources for College Libraries. He is also the liaison to the Art, Behavioral Sciences, Modern
Languages, and Philosophy Departments, the School of Education, and the Tabor School of Business.
Page Georgette
Georgette Comuntzis-Page completed her Ph.D. at the University of Utah and is an associate professor in the
School of Education. Her research focuses on the relationships between visual media and cognitive
development. Before coming to Millikin, Georgette taught and worked at various colleges and universities and
other organizations within the fields of early childhood education and visual communication, including Sesame
Workshop (formerly Children’s Television Workshop) in New York City, where she was the Coordinator of
Formative Research for Sesame Street and contributed to three production seasons.
Pippitt Amanda
Amanda Pippitt is Associate Professor, Access Services Coordinator, University Archivist, and Research and
Instruction Librarian. This is her thirteenth year at Millikin. As the University Archivist, Amanda regularly
works with the historical documents and items that explore and explain Millikin's heritage. She also supervises
Circulation and Reference at the library. She reviews reference books for Choice Reviews for Academic
Libraries, and is a member of the Heritage Network of Decatur and Macon County. She serves on the Honors
Advisory Committee, is co-chair of the Employee Recognition Committee, and has served on multiple campus
and CARLI committees and task forces. Amanda is the liaison to the Biology, Chemistry, and Exercise Science
Departments, the School of Music, the School of Nursing, and the School of Theatre and Dance.
Robson Tom
Tom Robson is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Millikin, teaching courses in theatre history, dramatic
literature, directing, and playwriting. He holds both an M.A. and a Ph.D. in theatre history, theory, and literature
from Indiana University. His scholarship has appeared in Theatre History Studies, Ecumenica: A Journal of
Theatre and Performance, Theatre Journal, and in the film journal JUMP CUT. His most recent essay,
"Advertising and the Commercial Spirit: Cataloging Nineteenth-Century Scenic Studio Practices" appeared in
the edited collection Working in the Wings: New Perspectives on Theatre History and Labor, published by
Southern Illinois University Press. He has worked as a director, assistant director, and dramaturg in theatres
throughout the midwest, and on campus at Millikin has directed Rough Magic, The Whipping Man, The Little
Dog Laughed, the world premiere play Cracker, and a staged reading of Ntozake Shange's for colored girls who
have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf. He will next direct Heathers: The Musical, opening in May
16
in Albert Taylor Theatre. He currently serves as the co-chair of the President's Commission on Inclusive
Excellence and the chair of Pedagogy for the Association for Theatre in Higher Education.
Stephens Briana
Tanta Gene
I see myself as a writer and artist. My work oscillates between poetry and visual art. As a writer, I am in the
process of finalizing a bilingual contemporary Romanian poetry anthology called “Biography after
Communism” begun in Bucharest with the support of a Fulbright grant (2012-13). As a visual artist, my current
project is series of works on paper where faces and four-letter words interact—these projected Googled images
and stenciled letters become a palimpsest of choices (of where to look) and interpretations (of what meaning to
assign) for viewers. The faces of MLK, Emma Goldman, John Lennon, and the like haunt because they have
been pruned from society by assassination. These images, however, are more than martyr portraits documenting
thwarted civil rights movements, political ideologies, or aesthetic visions. These images present aesthetic
treatment of iconic, as well as unknown, faces of killed activists. The dead want to speak again so we may
reflect on why they died … and what died with them. No monuments to nostalgia, but a mourning with purpose.
I am using food dyes because they saturate the paper better than inks and because I used to live near the Indian
and Pakistani grocery stores along Devon avenue in Chicago. Both the anthology and the works on paper strive
to entertain by appealing to classical aesthetic principles and bear witness to historical moments.
Toure Paul
Trimble Carrie S.
Wilcoxen Jessa
Wemple Aaron
Graduating from Millikin in December 2017 with a degree in Organizational Leadership, Aaron Wemple
personally felt discriminated against when he was an innocent parent going through family court. So, like many
others who suffer from surface-level discrimination, he suffered in silence with a deep-level discrimination and
wrote book after book about it trying to come to terms with the situation. He started Dad’s Club of America to
help struggling fathers through court. He also started Mom’s Club of America to help struggling moms through
court and child custody cases. Both were started right here in Decatur, IL, and now are other branches coming
online throughout the US.
Zelman Natalie
Natalie Zelman is a senior Studio Art BFA student with concentrations in ceramics and sculpture. She is also a
James Millikin Scholar researching women as subject matter in grotesque sculpture. She is working towards her
senior BFA exhibition and JMS presentation, both at the end of April.
17
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to thank everyone who assisted the committee in the conceptualization, design, and delivery of
what we hope to be a successful conference. We would like to extend a special thank you to the President,
Provost and the Board of Trustees for their commitment to excellence in diversity and inclusivity at Millikin
University; and to all of the faculty, students and staff who have agreed to share their expertise and experience
with the campus community. Finally, we thank the attendees. It is an honor to organize and host an event that
nurtures the educational and scholarly endeavors taking place at Millikin University.
Sincerely,
Millikin Interdisciplinary Faculty Conference Committee
Dr. Mark Munoz (Chair)
Ms. Molly Berry
Dr. Joyce Bezdicek
Dr. Eduardo Cabrera
Dr. Mirela Tanta
Dr. Joel Blanco
18