Former Child and Family Studies Professor Jim Malia was among the organizers of this year’s International Voluntary Services (IVS) alumni reunion at the UT Conference Center from October 3rd – October 6th. This reunion hosted 95 IVS alumni, family members, and friends from all over the United States. It not only offered IVS veterans the opportunity to gather to reminisce about their experiences serving around the world, but also to share their wisdom and know-how with current University of Tennessee Students.
The Department of Child and Family Studies benefited greatly from this reunion. Professor Sarah Malia hosted 3 IVS alumni speakers in her class. Students heard a presentation about the conclusion of World War II and how this affected life in Japan. They were also able to learn about ongoing work being done at an orphanage in Cambodia. Finally, students heard about the challenges faced by a refugee family from Laos as they traveled to the US and settled into a new life. These speakers brought the realities of the outside world into the classroom and allowed CFS students the opportunity to consider how they can apply the knowledge and skills they are learning in college to their future careers.