The state’s world language professionals gathered in October at our annual Connecticut COLT Fall Conference. Our theme "Learning languages: Never Too Early, Never Too Late" was evident in the great variety of workshop offerings, many of which were presented in the target languages.

Our keynote speaker was Dr. Ricardo Ochoa, Executive Director of Pathology at Pfizer, Inc. and former Veterinary Research Pathologist at the Upjohn Company, who spoke about his own professional and personal experience with language and the importance of understanding peoples and their cultures. He especially emphasized the importance of languages in health related fields so that people of all cultures understand options available to them to improve the quality of their lives.

Following the keynote address, Christopher J. Dodd was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and exemplary service on behalf of language education in the United States. Michelle Gilman, senior assistant to the senator, accepted the award on the senator’s behalf.

About 535 attendees, many of whom were first time participants, spent the day attending workshop sessions and visiting the 30 plus exhibitors and display tables. One colleague remarked on the large number of young teachers present, a good sign for the future vitality of our organization.

A special thank you to the fall Conference committee whose time and tireless efforts made this year’s conference a resounding success. Thank you also to the many volunteers who helped with set up and/or registration. We so appreciate your involvement and assistance. Thank you also to our exhibitors, some of whom have helped to offset Conference costs, with monetary donations, gift bag items, or Day Program ads. We value your continued participation in our annual event. Thank you to our presenters, for sharing your ideas and talents with your colleagues. Finally, we thank everyone who attended Fall Conference. We hope everyone enjoyed their experience and encourage anyone who has not already done so, to fill out the questionnaire so that we know how to better serve you in the future.

Please also consider presenting a workshop at next year’s conference and/or serving on the committee. We always welcome new and former committee members. It has been an honor and privilege to have served as your Fall Conference Co-chairs.

Sincerely,
Jan Picerno/Vincenza McNulty
(Conference co-chairs)

 

Some Photos from Fall Conference 2005