NEW USER-FED WEB SITE PROVIDES ASSISTANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTS  

iUpstate.org is a new user-fed website intended to provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions from international residents about living in Upstate South Carolina.  

This simple and free to use platform was created by an all-volunteer group in Furman University's Riley Institute Diversity Leadership Initiative, and is maintained by The International Center.      

Upstate South Carolina boasts the highest international investment per capita of any region in the United States. With such high numbers of internationals moving into the area each year, there is a tremendous need for a comprehensive, user-fed website to provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions from internationals, regardless of their country of origin.

"We constantly try to find ways of making our international residents feel at home here in Upstate, and their concerns are always our priority," said Whitney Walters, Executive Director of The International Center.

With its simple format, iUpstate.org is designed to be easy to use, with content generated by its users. Users can first check around the website to see if the question they would like to ask is already there, if not, they can simply sign up for an account and post their questions. Partner organizations can also support and help the international community by answering the questions or provide information to keep the answers on iUpstate up-to-date and accurate. By using the iUpstate website, users can develop more connections in the local areas and connections all around the world.

 For more information about the iUpstate, please contact The International Center at 864-631-2188.

FURMAN SUMMER LECTURE SERIES BEGINS JULY 17TH     

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and Riley Institute at Furman will present a four-part summer lecture series on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. starting July 17 through Aug. 7 in Younts Conference Center on the Furman campus.

"Two South Carolinas: A Look at the Disparities in Education, Justice and Health," is hosted by Mark Quinn, director of public and member relations, Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, and former host of SC ETV's "The Big Picture." The cost of the entire series is $40 ($30 for OLLI members) and $15 per single event.

In this important election year, OLLI and the Riley Institute at Furman seek to spur dialog about issues facing both South Carolina and the nation.

July 17:  Two South Carolinas: Disparities in Education

John Simpkins, Charleston School of Law fellow, and counsel with Wyche, P.A., delivers opening keynote, "Virtual Reality: The myth and meaning of difference in SC." Steve Morrison, plaintiffs' attorney in Abbeville v. South Carolina, presents "Are We Keeping our Promise to 'minimally educate' our Children?"

July 24: Two South Carolinas: Disparities in Justice

Kirby Mitchell, managing attorney at South Carolina Legal Services, examines South Carolina's system of justice in "Justice for All?" South Carolina Dept. of Juvenile Justice director Margaret Barber offers "A Report Card on Juvenile Justice."

July 31: Two South Carolinas: Disparities in Health

SCDHEC deputy commissioner for health services Lisa Waddell, M.D. addresses "How Wealth Influences Well-being." Beaufort-Jasper-Hampton Comprehensive Health Services CEO Roland Gardner talks about "Bridging the Health Care Gap."

August 7: Two South Carolinas: Exploring Strategies for Change

Mark Quinn moderates a conversation with leaders from across the state who have on-the-ground experience in education, justice and health. Leaders closely examine the relationships among these complex, intersecting issues, and explore strategies for moving toward individual, cultural and structural change.

For more information or to register click here, or contact OLLI@Furman, 864-294-2998.

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