News and Events

News

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Yunus Talks to Extension Staff

On March 1, 2010, the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus visited the University of Illinois. In connection with his half day program, he met with faculty and students during a poster session entitled “Social Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century.” Among the posters presented was one by Extension.  Martina Mohrbacher, Sue Bandy, Julia Bello and Magane Koshimura introduced three different Extension programs with their poster “University of Illinois Extension – Putting Knowledge to Work.

Dr. Yunus received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 along with Grameen Bank, which he founded in 1983 in Bangladesh. The bank was established to offer small loans for self-employment for the rural poor, especially poor women. He is known as the father of micro financing and developed a groundbreaking concept of lending money to the poorest of the poor without requiring collateral.

After the poster session, Dr. Yunus held a lecture at the Foellinger Auditorium and received the University of Illinois Presidential Award and Medallion from the hands of Interim President Ikenberry. It was also announced that Champaign-Urbana will be the new home for a local branch of Grameen Bank. 

Upcoming Events

Gardens of France 2010

In May 2010, the Illinois Master Gardeners will offer a trip to the Gardens of France. Ten days filled with beautiful and enchanting gardens across France as well as a great cultural experience awaits the participants of this unique trip. Starting in Nice, in southern France, the group will work their way north, visiting the Loire Valley and ending the trip in Paris. To learn more about this opportunity please see the trip agenda.

Windows to Asian Cultures

A one day workshop for teachers, after school coordinators, and youth leaders

When: June 9, 2010 9am to 4pm
Where: Extension Office, 8011 County Fair Drive, Champaign

Learn about:

• Asian cultures and different countries
• The human geography of continental Asia
• Interactive activities to use in classroom

Registration fee: $10.00 includes lunch and materials. CPDUs available, travel grants available. Register at: www.extension.illinois.edu/go/wtactraining

States 4-H International Exchange Program 2010

The States 4-H International Exchange Program provides opportunities for youth to connect to the world by either hosting international visitors or travelling abroad. In 2010, travel opportunities await youth from age 12 to age 19 (varies by program) to destinations in Australia, Costa Rica and Japan. These one or two month lasting exchange programs offer a unique opportunity for youth to immerse themselves in a foreign culture, live with a host family and study a language. For more information about the 2010 international 4-H exchange opportunities, please see:

• 2010 Australia Exchange
• 2010 Costa Rica
• 2010 Japan Exchange