SLLC Summit 5.0: Honoring Our Legacy, Building What’s Next
September 10, 2026
The annual pre-semester gathering brought together faculty, leadership, students, and emeriti to celebrate a quarter-century of community and look toward the future.
On August 28, members of the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SLLC) and special guests gathered at the Language House for SLLC Summit 5.0, a day dedicated tof connection, reflection, and celebration. As SLLC embarks on its 25th anniversary, the pre-semester gathering offered a meaningful opportunity to honor the shared commitments and relationships that have shaped the School while setting a bold course forward.
Bridging Generations
A highlight of this year’s summit was welcoming several SLLC emeriti faculty members back to the Language House. Their presence served as a powerful reminder of the dedicated educators who helped build and sustain the SLLC’s foundation.
Throughout the day, conversations bridged generations across the School. Longtime colleagues and friends reconnected to share memories, while emeriti faculty offered stories and mentorship to incoming graduate students. Summit 5.0 reflected the enduring strength of a community rooted in shared purpose and possibility, demonstrating that SLLC’s network extends well beyond any one program or moment in time.
A Critical Mission for Global Cultures
Leadership from across the College of Arts and Humanities also joined the festivities as “honorary SLLC community members,” including Dean Stephanie Shonekan and Associate Deans Trevor Perry-Giles and Quincy Mills.
Concluding her remarks to the community, Dean Shonekan underscored the essential role of language and cultural studies in today’s broader social landscape:
“At a time when societal attitudes and national policies seem to be designed against internationalism, immigration, and diverse cultures, the work that SLLC does is important, significant, and critical.”
Spotlighting Scholarly Innovation
The academic vigor of the School took center stage during the Lightning Round Talks, hosted by Dr. Sean Pue, SLLC’s new Associate Director of Graduate Affairs and Strategic Initiatives. The dynamic session highlighted the vibrant scholarship of a selection of recently joined faculty:
- Dr. Jyana Browne (Japanese)
- Dr. Mei Nan (Chinese, Cinema & Media Studies)
- Dr. Michael Lavery (Russian)
- Dr. Josh Alvizu (German)
- Dr. Ekaterina Sudina (Second Language Acquisition)
- Dr. Miguel Valerio (Spanish and Portuguese)
Looking Ahead to the 25th Anniversary
Summit 5.0 served as both a celebration of the past quarter-century and an invitation to help shape SLLC’s future. The year officially kicked off a year-long series of commemorative activities, which will culminate in a 25th Anniversary Gala on April 30, 2027. The gala will bring together the broader SLLC family—alumni, faculty, students, and supporters—to honor the individuals and milestones that have defined the School and invest in the work still to come.
