RCC Professor Chosen For Faculty Development Seminar in India

from Rockland Community College

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Rockland Community College is proud to announce that Patricia
Szobonya, Program Director of Legal Studies, has been selected as one of eleven faculty members, from US community colleges and minority-serving institutions, to participate in the 2024 Overseas Faculty Development Seminar in India, an initiative by the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC).

Founded in 1981, the CAORC, a renowned nonprofit federation, promotes advanced research in humanities and social sciences, emphasizing the conservation of cultural heritage and understanding modern societies. The Overseas Faculty Development Seminars, generously supported by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, are fully funded programs designed to enrich faculty from U.S. community colleges and minority-serving institutions with international experience.

“We are immensely proud of Professor Szobonya. This is not only a testament to her exceptional dedication but also marks a significant step for Rockland Community College in our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Dr. Lester Rápalo, President of Rockland Community College.

The seminar's inclusion of visits to various Indian cities is intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of the economic, cultural, social, and environmental challenges in urban settings.
Participants, like Professor Szobonya, will gain invaluable insights and experiences, which they will bring back to their respective institutions, enriching their communities and students.
“By broadening our international perspective and incorporating global sustainability challenges into our curriculum, Professor Szobonya's forthcoming contributions will undoubtedly enrich our colleg >community and enhance our students' educational experience,” said Dr. Rápalo.

Patricia Szobonya, an accomplished academician at Rockland Community College, will participate in the 2024 seminar titled Exploring Urban Sustainability through India's Cities. This unique program, administered in collaboration with the American Institute of Indian Studies, offers an insightful two-week exploration of Indian cities, including Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Lucknow, focusing on the challenges faced by these emerging urban areas.

“I am deeply honored and incredibly excited to have been chosen for this opportunity to engage with like-minded colleagues and experience India’s diverse urban environments firsthand” said Professor Szobonya. “I look forward to diving into the complexities of urban sustainability and return with knowledge fostering creativity and innovation that will benefit our students and community. It is a privilege to represent Rockland Community College on such a global platform, and I am eager to contribute to our institution's commitment to comprehensive educational excellence."

Patricia Szobonya, a New York Law School graduate, licensed to practice law in New York and New Jersey, has an extensive background in legal, criminal justice, business, and multicultural studies. Her involvement in academic international collaborations and contributions to Virtual Exchange publications underscore her commitment to cross-cultural academic development.