Ashland University Symposium Panel to Discuss ‘Globalization’
Oct. 4, 2011/ASHLAND, Ohio – A panel discussion on the topic “Globalization: Who Benefits? Who Suffers?” is the next event in the 2011-2012 College of Arts and Sciences Symposium "Against Global Indifference: Awakening to Action" at Ashland University.
This free event, which will be held Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center Auditorium, will feature a panel of local experts David Civitollo, Dr. Khush Pittenger and Brad Whitehead.
The panel will explore the possible benefits and negative effects of globalization, especially its impact on local communities, while also offering a variety of perspectives on globalization as new technologies, international trade and global markets have become more entwined and interdependent.
Globalization has brought with it a variety of impacts, both locally and internationally. Much debate remains about whether or not globalization has been beneficial for individuals, communities, corporations or countries. Proponents of globalization suggest that it has reduced poverty, increased competition, assisted in the rise of foreign investment levels, and even reduced child labor world-wide. Opponents cite the contribution to brain drains in various countries, lost jobs and job insecurity at home, increased pollution and environmental hazards, and even terrorism.
Civitollo is an educator in the area of community development for OSU Extension in Medina County. He has expertise in the areas of community and economic development and also serves as the lead for a local effort to produce and buy local farm produce. Civitollo will discuss the importance of thinking globally but acting locally by sharing real-life examples of the impact of globalization on issues affecting Ohio citizens.
Pittenger is a professor business management and the College of Business and Economics internship coordinator at Ashland University. She has served on numerous committees and consulted with area companies on issues related to management. She has presented more than two dozen papers at regional, national and international conferences and has published articles in refereed journals and local newspapers. She earned her B.A. (honors) and Post Graduate Diploma in International Trade from Punjab University, India; MBA (Management) from Miami University; and Ph.D. in Business Administration from University of Cincinnati.
Whitehead is president of the Fund for Our Economic Future, a philanthropic collaboration of over 40 partners in the NE region of Ohio who have all donated over $100K+ to enhance the economic success of NE Ohio. The Fund engages the public and leaders from the private, civic, labor, education, government and other sectors to strengthen the region's capacity to build a strong regional culture and to support and implement the key economic growth strategies of Advance Northeast Ohio, the region's economic action plan. These ventures include Team NEO, JumpStart, BioEnterprise, and NorTech. Whitehead oversees the Fund’s grantmaking, research and civic engagement efforts. He was named the Fund’s first president in the fall of 2006. He served the fund while also working for The Cleveland Foundation, where his focus was economic development/globalization.
Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.
