Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences launches “Bridges to Understanding” series
The Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Akron will launch a new campus and community engagement initiative, Bridges to Understanding, with a weeklong series of free public events Jan. 26–29 held primarily in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union on main campus.
The series brings students, faculty, staff and community members together to encourage connection, collaboration and open conversation. The goal of the series is to create space for participants from a range of backgrounds to share perspectives, build empathy, engage constructively in conflict and develop ideas collectively.
Organized as an open festival of ideas, Bridges to Understanding centers on an annual theme. For 2026, the theme is Community Building, with programming that includes presentations, films, workshops, discussions, performances and other creative formats. Events are organized by students, faculty and staff from campus departments and centers, with added programming from partners in Akron and Columbus.
This year’s series explores what it means to build community across differences through shared history, local partnerships, dialogue, creative expression and practical skill-building. From examining how place and culture shape belonging to addressing conflict, strengthening civic life and creating space for underrepresented voices, the series invites participants to consider how connection, understanding and collaboration can strengthen both campus and community.
Organizers say the long-term goal of the initiative is to strengthen collaboration and innovation across campus and throughout the Akron community by fostering a more connected and collaborative environment. By bringing people together from across the university and the broader community, the series aims to demonstrate how differing perspectives can be engaged in meaningful and constructive ways.
All events are free and open to faculty, staff, students and community members.
Sponsors of the series include the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, the EX[L] Center for Community Engaged Learning, the Center for Conflict Management, and Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Center.
The Bridges to Understanding committee is co-directed by Drs. Dani Jauk-Ajamie, Dimitria Gatzia, Jess Otto and Rob Peralta. Members of the subcommittees are:
- Program Committee – Jess Otto, Dani Jack-Ajamie
- Logistics Committee – Tiffany Schmidt, Dimitria Gatzia
- Marketing Committee – Michelle Banis, Megan Delong, Lisa Craig
- Volunteer Committee – Katy Selzer, Carly Debord
- Assessment Committee – Mark Fridline, Stephanie Kiba