Potter College News
Hatcher Lecturer Makes the Case for Language Learning
- Monday, October 26th, 2020
On Tuesday, October 21st, Hatcher Lecturer Dr. Mary K. Long spoke to over three dozen students, faculty, staff, and community members about the importance of becoming bilingual. The University of Colorado professor detailed the need for proficiency in another language for careers in business, medicine, education, and law. Attendees were surprised to learn that many businesses suffer financial losses and miss out on growth opportunities because they lack employees who can function in languages other than English. Dr. Long stressed that older adolescents and adults still can learn languages and highlighted the critical thinking, cultural awareness, and personal enrichment that accompany learning another language.
The annual Paul G. and Ernestine G. Hatcher Modern Language Lecture Series is made possible through a gift by Dr. Graham Hatcher in honor of his parents, Dr. Paul G. and Ernestine G. Hatcher. Dr. Paul G. Hatcher, Professor of Spanish, taught at Western Kentucky University for 27 years, and served as Head of the Department of Modern Languages from 1959 to 1965. He was the first Dean of Potter College and also the first Director of International Programs at Western Kentucky University. The Department of Modern Languages is very grateful for this gift.