World Issues Forum Presents: “A Towering Task” - The Peace Corps Documentary

A Panel Discussion

Logo for the World Issues Forum, featuring a globe surrounded by figures

Event Details

When:

-

Location:

Online: Zoom

In-Person at WWU
Fairhaven Auditorium

Price:

Free

Brought to you by:

Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies, The Ray Wolpow Institute, Institute for Global Engagement, The Foundation for WWU & Alumni

Featured Speakers

  • Jerry Smith
  • Steve Bennett, PhD
  • Teresa Derr
  • Ashley Hollenbeck
  • Ella Morrison (‘23)

Description

Check out this video to watch the A Towering Task - The Peace Corps Documentary.

A Panel Discussion with current and former Peace Corps Volunteers from WWU to discuss the documentary called "A Towering Task" about the history and current impact of the United States Peace Corps.

The World Issues Forum series is free and open to the public. Talks are held at 12:00pm in Fairhaven College Auditorium, on the top floor of the Fairhaven College main building to the rear (east) side. If you enter from the west entrance (halfway between the second and third floor facing parking lot 12A), take the half-flight of stairs to the left and continue to east side of the building from there. You'll see the door to the auditorium a little to your left.

Join us at WWU or online on Zoom!

World Issues Forum updates are available online.

The views expressed in the World Issues Forum do not necessarily reflect those of Western Washington University.

Featuring:

A middle-aged man with graying hair and a friendly smile is wearing glasses and a blue shirt. He is looking directly at the camera.

Jerry Smith, Moderator

Jerry Smith served in the Peace Corps in Niger Republic, West Africa, as an Agricultural Statistician. He worked side-by-side with local farmers on improving the 4 major food crops that are grown in Niger (Millet, Sorghum, Rice and Cowpeas). He also did statistical analysis on these crops to improve planting, growing and harvesting of these crops.

A man in winter gear smiles while kneeling in the snow, holding a happy dog close to him.

Steve Bennett, PhD, Panelist

Steve Bennett is a professor in the College of Humanities and Social Science at WWU. He was a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya.

A woman in a pink top smiles, sunglasses on her head, standing in front of leafy green plants.

Teresa Derr (‘20), Panelist

Teresa Derr has been a Youth in Development Volunteer serving in Thailand for the past year and a half. She works with the community to improve life skills in kids, such as leadership, problem solving, and communication skills, mainly through clubs, volunteer opportunities, and mentoring.

A woman smiles gently against a blurred green background. She has pulled-back hair and wears a black top.

Ashley Hollenbeck, Panelist

Ashley Hollenbeck currently works in the Institute for Global Engagement at WWU. She was a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco. Ashley is the current Education Abroad Director, former Executive Director of InPlace, and an instructor for the Institute of Global Engagement. She is native to the Pacific Northwest and moved to Bellingham after spending most of her career abroad. Her work has focused on environmental conservation, international development, governance and intercultural education in various roles locally and nationally in Japan, Vietnam, Morocco, and the United States.

A young woman with short brown hair gazes at the camera. She wears silver jewelry, a white blazer and blue shirt. A blurred cityscape forms the background.

Ella Morrison ('23), Panelist

Ella Morrison is a recent graduate of Fairhaven and WWU, and now a Peace Corps Volunteer in Georgia, working with a minority community in the Education and Youth Engagement (EYE) program. Ella graduated in 2023 with a bachelor's in Political Science and an interdisciplinary concentration titled “Feminisms, Islam, and Human Rights,” with minors in French, Arabic, and Human Rights. Ella is very passionate about human connections, building interpersonal relationships, and understanding international collaboration at the human level. She is inspired by the experiences of others and learn language to more fully connect with people.

Questions and Accommodations

  • Your point of contact for this event is Fairhaven College. Call (360) 650-6680 or visit the World Issues Forum website.
  • Advance notice for disability accommodations and special needs is appreciated. Please mention your needs when registering.
  • There will be auto-captions for the Zoom webinar. 

Visitor Parking at WWU on Weekdays

  • Mon-Fri, 7:00am-4:30pm: limited paid parking is available at the south C lots and north 6V and 7G lots.
  • Purchase your permit at the lot pay stations or use the Parkmobile app
  • More parking details for campus visitors are available online.

Parking at WWU on Weekdays for Visitors with Disabilities

  • Mon-Fri, 7:00am-4:30pm: both a WWU permit and state disability placard are needed.
  • Purchase your permit at the pay stations in lot C or 6V or use the Parkmobile app (use Zone 1200). This allows parking in any disability space. If these are full, you can use a non-reserved space nearby.
  • More parking details for campus visitors with disabilities are available online.