In the hubbub that was the 2008 U.S. national election, 335 NAFSAns somehow managed to congregate in New Haven, CT, for the NAFSA Region XI conference. The event was kicked off in grand fashion by an election results party (red, blue, and clear drinks were on offer, along with a chocolate fountain…but I digress).
Not only were participants given the opportunity to select from many great workshops and sessions, but the Region XI conference planners built into the program Morning Walks, Morning Runs, and massage chairs. Firmly believing that we must take care of ourselves as we take care of our students and scholars, this was a continuation of a welcome tradition in Region XI.
Region XI also showed itself to be a leader in “sustainability”—the program was printed on recycled paper, the tote bag was made of recyclable materials (and good for groceries), and water bottles were provided to each participant.
Michael Wishnie, clinical professor of law focusing on civil liberties at the Yale Law School, gave the plenary address attended by all conference participants.
We’re all looking forward to the biregional conference with our Region X colleagues next year in Springfield, MA.