October 24, 2018 | Joliet, Ill.
Dr. Madonna Murphy, a professor in the University of St. Francis’ (USF) College of Education, visited Universidad Católica de Santa Fe (UCSF) in Santa Fe, Argentina in mid-October to speak about character education. Dr. Murphy gave two presentations to university faculty and administration, and shared information with the public on the importance of character education for students as citizens of the future.
Dr. Murphy’s opportunity to speak at UCSF was part of a grant to help bring professors from the United States to Argentina for an exchange of research and ideas that may be of benefit to the country. One major area of concern for Argentina is the growing problem of substance use by school-aged children. Information shared by Dr. Murphy included her research on the U.S. Schools of Character program and how a comprehensive approach to character education that engages schools, families, media, and the community can help change student attitudes toward casual drug use.
“It was an amazing experience; everyone in Argentina was so friendly, dedicated, and hard working. I was very impressed how globally we all seem to have the same challenges; cities with some people financially secure, and many very poor people; good families trying to raise their children well nevertheless see drug abuse among them. I just hope that the character education ideas I shared from the U.S. Schools of Character can help them in their goal of educating moral young people, the future citizens of their country and of our world,” Dr. Murphy said.
Angie Maffeo, USF Director of International Programs, worked with Dr. Murphy to apply for this opportunity and hopes to begin a faculty and student exchange with UCSF in the near future.
The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves 4,100 students nationwide, offering undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 49,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.
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