By Regina Stracqualursi ’15
The Siena College Sociology Department recently hosted its third annual Sociology Symposium, featuring the research of students from across the Capital Region.
The symposium, titled, “Our World, Our Problem: Society in Action,” illustrated some of the major issues facing today’s society and the personal role that everyone plays in combating such problems.
“The Sociology symposium is an attempt to promote intellectual vibrancy at Siena through student research and organizational effort,” said Associate Professor of Sociology Suvarna Cherukuri, Ph.D. “For a liberal arts college, it is important to have a strong culture of thought and debate and also ensure active involvement of students in these processes.”
Siena students were also joined by students from Skidmore College, Union College, Russell Sage College and Hudson Valley Community College.
“Having student presenters from several local colleges allows Siena students to see what their peers at other institutions are doing and helps them to network with students who share common interests,” said Professor of Sociology Paul Murray, Ph.D.
The symposium also featured a keynote address from Executive Director of Girls Incorporated of the Capital Region Ashley Jeffrey Bouck ’04. While at Siena, Bouck majored in sociology and since graduating, she became an advocate and supporter of the rights of women and girls. Bouck also worked for eight years at the American Cancer Society where she, as a cancer survivor, advocated for better prevention and early detection policies and provided patients and their families with local resources.
Sociology major Taylor Booth ’15 was a member of this year’s organizing committee. She also presented her own research, “Athletics and the Civic Mind.”
“The 3rd annual symposium was a huge success,” said Booth. “The students were able to successfully present their work in a positive and support environment. People were engaged and interested in the topics presented. The presentations sparked something in people to feel like they needed to know more.”
The event was co-sponsored by the Sociology Department, Office of Academic Affairs, Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity, School of Liberal Arts, and Alpha Kappa Delta.
