Caribbean Conference

Professor Robert McCormick is known not only for inspiring hearts and minds in the classroom, but also for instilling a passion for the people and culture of the countries to which he takes students on Academic Travel. It was during such an excursion to Cuba that he became fascinated with the literature and culture of the region, leading him to establish the inaugural Caribbean Conference in 2003 which highlighted the late Cuban literary critic and novelist Antonio Benitez-Rojo as keynote speaker.

The biennial conference features Franklin student panels, academic panels with internationally known scholars, literary readings, Caribbean films, a traditional Caribbean meal and live Cuban music. Faithful to the multilingual nature of the Caribbean, the conference is conducted in English, Spanish and French.

In addition to providing a forum for Caribbean literary and cultural exchange involving academicians and visiting scholars from more than 40 prestigious institutions from as far away as Taiwan, the conference has provided positive recognition and valuable literary connections for Franklin College. Professor McCormick is now planning for the next conference which will be held in the spring of 2009. Funding for the fourth Caribbean Conference will provide for keynote speakers’ travel arrangements, honorariums, an assistantship to help with planning, publication of proceedings, publicity, advertising, music and the traditional dinner.

Underwriting the program will entitle the donor to special name recognition in the program, publications and promotions of the conference.

Funding needed: $15,000

For more information, please contact the Office of Advancement.