The CGAS Bulletin 鈥 Summer 2026
The CGAS Bulletin
Summer 2026 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As I complete my first year leading the Center for Global and Area Studies, I am filled with gratitude, pride and optimism for the remarkable achievements of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters.
I'm especially grateful for the generosity of our alumni and friends. Their support has fueled a year of growth, innovation and renewed energy at CGAS as we continue to strengthen our role as a hub for global learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement at the 91原创.
At a time when some voices seek to divide, shrink horizons and pull the world apart, the work of CGAS has never been more important. Our mission is rooted in a different vision of the future鈥攐ne that values curiosity, dialogue, cultural understanding and meaningful engagement with the world.
Every day, our students remind us of the power of that vision. Through their studies, research, internships, study abroad experiences, community engagement and intercultural collaborations, they demonstrate that global education is not simply about acquiring knowledge. It is about learning how to engage thoughtfully, responsibly and compassionately with others and with the complex challenges facing our interconnected world.
I invite you to read my director's report on our achievements of the past semester.听Thank you for being part of the CGAS community and for supporting our mission. Together, we are building a future that is more informed, more connected and more globally engaged.
Julia Dom铆nguez
Director of Center for Global and Area Studies and听Professor of Spanish
CGAS momentum reflects rising interest in global education
The next generation of globally minded students shares a commitment to understanding the world beyond borders. To enrich global inquiry, CGAS faculty are strengthening programs and fostering dialogue.
Spotlight on faculty excellence
Under the leadership of Program Director Edgard Sankara, African Studies had a strong and productive year. In addition to regular meetings, highlights include two lectures by distinguished and seasoned scholars who shared their rich local and global experiences.
Celebrating Asian Studies achievements and leadership听
Program Director听Haihong Yang recognizes the achievements of Asian studies faculty whose scholarship has influenced social and political developments across India and Southeast Asia. She congratulates several exceptional students for their achievements鈥攐n campus and abroad.
Fostering intellectual engagement and achievement
Under the thoughtful leadership of Director听Daniel Kinderman, the European Studies Program enhances critical engagement among students and faculty with the cultures, histories, politics and contemporary challenges of Europe. His dedication, vision and tireless efforts have advanced the program and strengthened its intellectual community.
Celebrating excellence
Under the leadership of Director Julia Dom铆nguez, Global Studies has become the fastest-growing CGAS program. Dom铆nguez has expanded student success and engagement through enhanced advising, recruitment, curriculum development and career-readiness initiatives.
The program offers interdisciplinary perspectives on global challenges. Through coursework, undergraduate research, internships, study abroad and community engagement, students gain the critical skills needed to lead in an interconnected world.
Expanding global reach through scholarship and public engagement
Under the leadership of Rudi Matthee, the Islamic Studies Program enhanced its scholarly excellence and public engagement while encouraging students and the community to explore historical and contemporary issues shaping the Islamic world.
Honoring the past, understanding the present
With a commitment to explore the complexities of global Jewish identity, Director Holly Zavadivker focused on community partnerships and experiential learning. Under Zavadivker's leadership, the Jewish Studies Program hosted events with acclaimed artists, scholars鈥攁nd a Holocaust survivor. The program also continues to听sponsor an annual spring bus trip for students to visit the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. See the for more highlights.
Fostering dialogue on Latin American sociopolitical issues in Newark
Under the leadership of Director Sonia Robles, the Latin American and Iberian Studies Program (LAIS) hosted two public events: one aimed to inform 91原创 faculty and students on the history and status of free speech in Mexico and another to raise awareness among the community鈥攂oth at the 91原创 and throughout the state鈥攁bout the challenges the Venezuelan population in the tri-state area face today.听
For global and area studies alumni
Share your news by sending us a short update for the next newsletter. Also learn more about the CGAS alumni community and opportunities to get involved. Email us at cgas-info@udel.edu.
Support us
Thank you for being part of the CGAS community. Your support, collaboration and engagement make it possible for us to continue growing as a vibrant hub for global learning at the 91原创. Together, we are building a center that prepares students to think globally, engage meaningfully and contribute to a more interconnected, informed and compassionate world. We look forward to the year ahead and to continuing this important work with all of you.
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