Countries unite for conference

Students from Canada and the United States came together April 6 and 7 as part of the Crossing Borders Conference at Niagara University. Dr. James Seward’s New Media class (COMM 367) attended the event, which gave individuals the opportunity to make presentations on a wide range of topics.
“Crossing Borders is a multi-disciplinary student conference that is supported by the Golden Horseshoe Educational Alliance, and it’s a chance for students to make presentations on topics ranging from politics, history, border problems and technology,” said Megan Tooney, the political and economic relations officer for the Consulate General of Canada in Buffalo. “It’s really a celebration between the two countries and the academic linkages between us.”
Fisher students from the New Media class were grouped together and made multiple presentations, including Municipal Wi-Fi in Canada and the United States, New Media Distribution, New Technologies in the Classroom and Children’s Use of the Internet.
“In our new media distribution group, we specifically talked about iTunes, blogs and satellite radio, and the differences both countries have with these technologies,” said Meg Scott.
The conference started in Canada on April 6 when the students heard a presentation from the Consulate General of Canada, Stephen Brereton, while overlooking Niagara Falls. The following day the conference began at 8 a.m., and was filled with different presentations.
“This conference took a lot of preparation. Dr. Seward held many rehearsals for all the groups that presented,” said Halyma Boniche. “We have worked on this project for a long time now and it felt good when we presented.”
Seward has been involved with Crossing Borders since the first conference a decade ago and is referred to as “the Godfather of Crossing Borders.” Seward said the most rewarding part of the conference is watching his students present.
“My favorite part is introducing and then watching the students deliver a one-hour professional presentation that is clear and cohesive,” said Seward. “It was one of my high points of my academic teaching career.”
Seward said he was grateful for the support of the governments of the two countries.

“I want to thank St. John Fisher and both the American and Canadian governments for all their financial support and for supporting the Crossing Border conference,” he said.

By Mark Hucko
mjh8307@sjfc.edu