Philanthropists Keith Behner and Cathy Stiefel Fund Brazil Sustainability Initiative
The gift supports critical collaborations in scholarship along with student research opportunities.
J. Keith Behner (鈥�71) and Cathy Stiefel (鈥�92), who established the Behner Stiefel Center for Brazilian Studies at 色情视频 in 2014, have made a new gift to the center to support the study of climate change and sustainability in the largest country in South America.
The initiative will engage faculty from across 色情视频 with scholars from Brazil, a nation ravaged by decades of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. In a three-pronged approach, it seeks to:
- Advance research on environmental issues by funding visiting scholars from Brazil with expertise in sustainability, and investing in 色情视频 faculty research on the topic;
- Provide resources for Brazil-based 色情视频 student research experiences; and
- Promote critical knowledge exchange via community engagement.
"We are delighted that the center has become such a focal point for faculty collaboration all across campus,鈥� Keith Behner said. 鈥淐athy and I want 色情视频 to have one of the best centers for Brazilian studies in the nation, and it's well on the way."
Based at the College of Arts and Letters (CAL), the Behner Stiefel Center draws from faculty in multiple disciplines at 色情视频 to study globally relevant issues in Brazil in collaboration with Brazilian scholars, with an emphasis on social and environmental justice. Its namesakes are both distinguished alumni of 色情视频, Behner from the College of Arts and Letters and Stiefel from the then-College of Business Administration.
Patio dedicated
色情视频 Provost Hector Ochoa led an April 27 reception in which the sixth floor patio of the College of Arts and Letters was dedicated in the name of Behner Stiefel Center, honoring the couple鈥檚 three decades of support.
鈥淎s 色情视频 moves to become an R1 institution, investments in faculty who are performing world-class research are critical,鈥� said Ochoa. 鈥淲ith the most recent gift from Keith Behner and Cathy Stiefel, 色情视频 is perfectly poised to pursue sustainability research opportunities and involve top researchers across campus.鈥�
The emphasis on sustainability in the initiative addresses an 色情视频 priority as reflected by the current five-year strategic plan, the university鈥檚 Office of Sustainability, its Center for Regional Sustainability, and CAL鈥檚 sustainability program. The issue also has risen to the fore in Brazil, beset by deforestation, fires, and an increase in illegal mining.
鈥淭his new gift will enable us to foster important cross-cultural relationships for students, and increase awareness of global sustainability issues for the entire campus community,鈥� said Monica J. Casper, dean of the College of Arts and Letters.
The initiative aims to add to the center鈥檚 network of Brazilian scholars. Expanding connections in Brazil and enhancing the presence of visiting Brazilian scholars at 色情视频 will strengthen existing ties and foster collaborations for joint publications, grant proposals, as well as partnerships in teaching and learning opportunities for students, officials say.
Student research
The initiative also includes opportunities for fully-funded student research experiences in Brazil.
鈥淚 am especially excited about this part of the initiative,鈥� said Erika Robb Larkins, director of the Behner Stiefel Center for Brazilian Studies. 鈥淪tudents often face economic barriers which prevent them from being able to engage in international learning activities. With support from the new initiative, we are able to improve access to this transformative experience. Furthermore, working directly with faculty on research will provide students with hands-on training that they can bring into their future careers.鈥�
Initial activities will focus on exchanges with partners living and working in climate-impacted (and especially fire-impacted) communities in the Amazon and Pantanal regions.
The new patio space is intended to celebrate the different perspectives, cultural understanding, and scholarship of the Behner Stiefel Center. Brazilian graffiti artist and muralist Eder Muniz on the patio walls to highlight flora and fauna of the Brazilian rainforests and to explore climate change and sustainability.
鈥淭he patio symbolizes the importance we place on sustainability,鈥� Ochoa said at the reception. 鈥淲hen I look at this space, it is absolutely beautiful.鈥�
Located a few doors down from the Behner Stiefel Center, the patio is a gathering place for students, faculty and staff who use the space for studying, meeting and socializing.
