URI to host career day for students interested in Spanish language, culture

KINGSTON, R.I. — February 4, 1999 — The University of Rhode Island will hold a special career day on Friday, March 5 for Rhode Island high school students from underrepresented groups. “It’s a diversity effort to show students who have an interest in the Spanish language and culture the many career opportunities available to them,” says URI Language Professor Robert Manteiga, who with College of Arts and Sciences Interim Dean Winifred Brownell is coordinating the event. The day is supported by a grant from the URI Foundation The day’s activities are designed to introduce the students to the University’s numerous programs and fields of study. The day will also give the high schoolers a chance to meet URI faculty, staff, students, and alumni. After greetings by URI President Robert L. Carothers and other administrators at 9 a.m. in the Multicultural Center, the morning program will feature faculty and staff who will show how important the role of languages—primarily Spanish, and to some extent Portuguese—play in health studies, business, human services, and engineering. Tours of the campus follow. Music, possibly played on a Latin American classical guitar, will be provided during a buffet lunch. URI alumni including Dr. Antelmo Santos of Chemic in Narragansett and Adriana Morales, a teacher at Prout School, will share their experiences during the afternoon program. URI’s Cape Verde Summer Program, URI in Spain and Mexico programs, and internship opportunities in the Dominican Republic will also be highlighted. For more information, contact Professor Manteiga at 874-4701 or roberto@uri.edu.