Rockland Community College Professor Chosen for Prestigious Faculty Development Seminar in India

Rockland Community College is proud to announce that Patricia Szobonya, Program Director of Legal Studies, has been selected as one of eleven faculty members, from US community colleges and minority-serving institutions, to participate in the 2024 Overseas Faculty Development Seminar in India, an initiative by the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC).

Founded in 1981, the CAORC, a renowned nonprofit federation, promotes advanced research in humanities and social sciences, emphasizing the conservation of cultural heritage and understanding modern societies. The Overseas Faculty Development Seminars, generously supported by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, are fully funded programs designed to enrich faculty from U.S. community colleges and minority-serving institutions with international experience.

“We are immensely proud of Professor Szobonya. This is not only a testament to her exceptional dedication but also marks a significant step for Rockland Community College in our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Dr. Lester Rápalo, President of Rockland Community College.

The seminar's inclusion of visits to various Indian cities is intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of the economic, cultural, social, and environmental challenges in urban settings. Participants, like Professor Szobonya, will gain invaluable insights and experiences, which they will bring back to their respective institutions, enriching their communities and students.

“By broadening our international perspective and incorporating global sustainability challenges into our curriculum, Professor Szobonya's forthcoming contributions will undoubtedly enrich our college community and enhance our students' educational experience,” said Dr. Rápalo.

Patricia Szobonya, an accomplished academician at Rockland Community College, will participate in the 2024 seminar titled Exploring Urban Sustainability through India's Cities. This unique program, administered in collaboration with the American Institute of Indian Studies, offers an insightful two-week exploration of Indian cities, including Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Lucknow, focusing on the challenges faced by these emerging urban areas.

“I am deeply honored and incredibly excited to have been chosen for this opportunity to engage with like-minded colleagues and experience India’s diverse urban environments firsthand” said Professor Szobonya. “I look forward to diving into the complexities of urban sustainability and return with knowledge fostering creativity and innovation that will benefit our students and community. It is a privilege to represent Rockland Community College on such a global platform, and I am eager to contribute to our institution's commitment to comprehensive educational excellence."

Patricia Szobonya, a New York Law School graduate, licensed to practice law in New York and New Jersey, has an extensive background in legal, criminal justice, business, and multicultural studies. Her involvement in academic international collaborations and contributions to Virtual Exchange publications underscore her commitment to cross-cultural academic development.

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About Rockland Community College 

Rockland Community College (RCC), located in Suffern New York, provides purpose driven educational opportunities in a supportive, affordable, and accessible environment, empowering individuals to positively transform themselves and their communities. RCC welcomes students from diverse backgrounds who appreciate small class sizes and personal attention from a distinguished, award-winning faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. Many graduates go on to top universities to further their education on their own or through RCC’s institutional collaborations. RCC fosters an environment that attracts, recruits, supports, and retains faculty, staff, and students who value diversity. The College promotes a collegial and inclusive environment by recognizing, promoting, embracing, respecting, and celebrating the expansive range and dimensions of cultures, attitudes, ideas, and viewpoints contained within our campus community.

RCC is also proud to provide career training and professional development to adult learners looking to change careers or upgrade their skills through a variety of programs and educational opportunities including workforce training, certifications, and micro credentials. Many of the programs are developed with employers in the community in high demand industry areas to enable graduates to move into a new career upon graduation. More information can be found at sunyrockland.edu.