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From left, Dr. Sarah Whitney, associate teaching professor of English and Women’s Studies, Amy Love, student in the Clinical Psychology master’s program, and Matt Ciszek, director of Lilley Library.

Dr. Ashley Sullivan, associate professor of elementary and early childhood education, leads a class discussion. 

Dr. Amy Carney

 Dr. Melanie D. Hetzel-Riggin, director of the Penn State Behrend school of Humanities and Social Sciences

Under Threat, Not Defeated: How Democracies Fight to Endure Around the Globe.

Panelists: Dr. Maggie Shum | Dr. Emily Masghati | Dr. Lena Surzhko Harned | Dr. Diane Chido

Presented on November 19, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in the Metzgar Lobby.

Community Resources for Immigrants in Erie

Ashley Lawson, Director of USCRI Erie

Saeed Taraky, former Immigrant and Refugee Liaison for the City of Erie and President of the Afghan Community of Erie

Carlos Mora, an Erie County United organizer, Behrend graduate, and Colombian immigrant to Erie

Presented on December 9, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in the Federal House.

The Importance of Immigrants for Erie Industries.

Cassie Zimmer, immigration policy analyst, Niskanen Center (Washington, D.C.)

Jaret Kelly, president, Lake Erie Wine Country

Cindy Rau, human resource coordinator, Logistics Plus

Presented on November 18, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in the Federal House.

Immigration Laws and Policies in 2026

Attorneys with the Amicangelo & Theisen law firm.

Specializing in immigration services in Erie.

Speakers include Andrea Amicangelo and Alexandria Iwanenko.

Presented on January 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Federal House.

Russian War on Ukraine Discussion with Oleksiy Goncharenko, Ukrainian Member of Parliament.

For more information, contact [email protected].

Presented on January 23 at 9:00 a.m. on Zoom.

Economic Inequality in America: Extent and Potential Consequences.

Contact Dr. Lena Surzhko-Harned ([email protected]) with Questions.

Presented on March 28, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. in the Metzgar Lobby.