November 9, 2018
Yelich Biniecki hosts two scholars as part of ERASMUS+ exchange program
Two scholars from Poland's Opole University were recently on campus as part of the ERASMUS+ Programme for professional development and teaching.
Susan Yelich Biniecki, College of Education associate professor, hosted Izabella Pisarek, provost, and Marzanna Pogorzelska, assistant professor, both from Opole University, on their Sept. 11-14 visit to campus. As part of the ERASMUS+ Programme exchange, Yelich Biniecki conducted lectures and workshops at Opole University in 2017 and 2018; and Pogorzelska led discussions and seminars at K-State in 2017 and 2018.
"We were honored to receive a second ERASMUS+ grant from the European Union," Yelich Biniecki said. "Our campus is a richer place because of these faculty exchanges."
After attending Sen. Jerry Moran's Landon Lecture, Pisarek and Pogorzelska met with Debbie Mercer, dean of the College of Education, and Grant Chapman, associate provost for international programs.
Pisarek's schedule focused primarily on the role of administration as well as the practical application of K-State's diversity and inclusion initiatives across campus. She met with Bryan Samuel, chief inclusion and diversity officer; Charles Taber, provost; and David C. Thompson, professor and chair of the department of educational leadership. Pisarek also explored laboratories and research with Nathan Nelson, professor of agronomy.
Pogorzelska taught several classes in the Staley School of Leadership Studies and in the College of Education. She also gave a presentation at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community about the Unsung Hero Projects, a program that recognizes courageous and compassionate individuals who influenced history.
"Speaking to the K-State community is always a great experience — both at the retirement community and at the campus people were very interested and engaged in discussions, lectures and workshops," Pogorzelska said. "I admire their openness and sensitivity to the problems I presented. I return to my country filled with energy and ideas that will be a great source of inspiration at my institution."
The European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students, or ERAMUS, program was formally adopted in 1987 with the goal of encouraging students in the European Union, or EU, to seek international experiences. The EU has invested billions in the program and has expanded to offer experiences to students and faculty outside of the EU. Yelich Biniecki's exchange was coordinated through the college's educational leadership department with support from K-State's Office of International Programs.