By Daniel Tapaoan, Jr. 

Exhibiting active academic collaboration, the Kaisipan Foundation, Inc. (KFI) based in United States and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) conducted a lecture on cultural anthropology and new normal education today, August 26. 

Dr. Charles H. Klein, professor and chair of cultural anthropology at the Portland State University in USA, served as lecturer in the session held at MMSU Teatro Ilocandia and livestreamed at the university’s Facebook page (@MMSUofficial). 

The lecture was physically attended by around 200 faculty and students from the College of Teacher Education, College of Arts and Sciences, and the Laboratory High School in Laoag and Batac. 

In his lecture, Dr. Klein shared his experiences in conducting public health and applied anthropology research by presenting a ‘series of interconnected stories.’ According to him, intersection of race, class and sexuality create different experiences and pathways. 

Based on his research on higher education and socioeconomic mobility, there is a ‘new norm and new struggle’ among young adults who pursue higher education. He added that college education is becoming a part of their life trajectories. 

MMSU Laoag campus executive director Eliza Samson thanked Dr. Klein for sharing his experiences and research findings to the university faculty and students, adding his lecture has ignited their interest in exploring human diversity in line with education.

For her part, university vice president for academic affairs Prima Fe Franco considers the MMSU-KFI partnership as a significant milestone in the university’s internationalization program. The lecture, she said, is a manifestation of their commitment to provide relevant academic opportunities. 

Tomorrow, August 27, a training and workshop on the teaching of cultural anthropology and other innovation approaches in the new normal will be held at the College of Teacher Education - Center for Teaching Excellence Hall.

Prof. Jeanette Dials, university’s chief for international faculty and student mobility, noted that the lecture and training-workshop are among the collaborative activities organized by KFI and MMSU’s Internationalization, Linkages and Partnerships being led by director Mee Jay Domingo. 

The academic collaboration between the two institutions is a result of a partnership forged by MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis and KFI President Maria A. Beebe in March this year. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)