This fall, the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward's University will present experts to enhance our knowledge of social equality in a globalized world.  These topics will include: women’s rights; health and healthcare; and human rights.  All events are free and open to the public.
           
September — Women’s Rights

Global Perspectives on Women's Issues from the Developed and Developing World
Tuesday, Sept. 14
7 p.m.
Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center

What are the main differences in living conditions in women across the world and across time? How can we diminish the gap between the developed world and the developing world? Our panel of experts will answer these questions as they examine how gender and place affect the destiny of women around the world.

• Dr. Lynn Prince Cooke, Senior Lecturer, University of Kent, UK
• Mallika Dutt, Founder and Executive Director of Breakthrough

The Life of Laura Méndez de Cuenca: A Pioneer in Women’s Rights
Monday, Sept. 20
7 p.m.
Mabee Ballroom, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center

The Kozmetsky Center, in collaboration with the General Consulate of Mexico in Austin, presents the second event in the Women's Rights series. Historian and author Milada Bazant will speak on the life of Laura Méndez de Cuenca, a 19th century Mexican teacher, novelist, poet, journalist and mother of 8 children — an early advocate for the rights of women.

• Dr. Milada Bazant, El Colegio Mexiquense

October — Health and Healthcare

Documentary Screening: "Unnatural Causes: Is inequality making us sick?"
Wednesday, Oct. 6
7 p.m.
Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center

This acclaimed documentary series was originally broadcast by PBS and is now used by thousands of organizations around the country to tackle the root causes of our increasing socioeconomic and racial inequities in health. Select segments will be shown.

The Healthcare Reform: What the Future Holds
Tuesday, Oct. 19
12 noon
Mabee Ballroom A&B, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center

What effects and changes can we expect from the new health care bill?  To what extent will it help to increase social equality in the U.S.? Our panel of experts, in the healthcare field, will discuss the most recent changes in healthcare in America.

• Dr. James Rohack, Immediate Past President of the American Medical Association
• Dr. William Sage, Vice Provost for Health Affairs, University of Texas at Austin
• Dr. Bruce Levy, CEO, Austin Gastroenterology
• Mark Clayton, Senior Vice President, St. David’s HealthCare

Please contact Meridith Schmittou, 223-1678, for reservation information

What are the social determinants of health?
Wednesday, Oct. 27
7 p.m.
Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center

This lecture will feature Dr. Denny Vågerö, who will focus on answering the question: how can we diminish the gap in health outcomes among different socio-economic groups and between countries?

• Dr. Denny Vågerö, Professor of Medical Sociology and former Director of the Center for Health Equity Studies, Stockholm, Sweden

November — Human Rights

The Slave Next Door: Human Slavery in America Today
Tuesday, Nov. 16
7 p.m.
Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center

Ron Soodalter, author, historian, expert on human slavery, Board of Directors of the Abraham Lincoln Institute. He is co-author with Kevin Bales of The Slave Next Door which presents, for the first time, a comprehensive and compelling account of modern-day slavery in the U.S. Soodalter and Bales are recognized internationally as world’s foremost experts on global slavery.

Combating Human Trafficking in Central Texas
Tuesday, Nov. 30
7 p.m.
Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center

Local panel on Human Trafficking with representatives from the Texas Legislature, the Attorney General’s Office, Social Services, Law Enforcement and Journalism.

Established through a gift from Ronya Kozmetsky and her late husband, George, the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance promotes understanding of global issues.

The Kozmetsky Center’s programs present a broad spectrum of experts who are chosen for their ability to enrich the intellectual life of the university community, as well as to inform the broader public. Their presence is part of St. Edward's University’s efforts to generate discussion of major national and international public policy issues.

More information about the Kozmetsky Center