Within days of the announcement of normalized U.S.-Cuban relations, several of our majors were privileged to travel to Cuba in a small group of 15 students led by Dr. Jim Wiley and Dr. Conrad Herold of Economics. The group gained first-hand perspectives of the Cuban people while visiting important and historic sites, including the University of Havana, Revolution Square, and a Spanish imperial fortress. They took in their surroundings, the ever-present music, and culture—even visiting Afro-Cuban community elders of the Santeria, who explained their unique faith. Plans are already in the works for a study abroad in Cuba next year, as students and faculty alike are eager to continue studying Cuba and its evolution during this unprecedented time.

Global Studies and Geography students in Cuba l to r: Jose Luis Rivera, Eleanore Saintis, Mishaina Joseph, Dr. James Wiley, Bhavneet Anand, Tom Vogel, Doug Forgione, and Elissa Salamy (not pictured).