Cuba-Bound

Jon Shefner, professor of sociology and head of the sociology department, traveled to Cuba in March 2016 with a group of other Fulbright alumni to visit Havana as well as several smaller towns, which are using their UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) world heritage status to rebuild historic downtown areas. During his visit he was able to spend a fair amount of time walking through Old Havana and learning about the historic restoration. A high point was the memorial to Che Guevara.

Shefner says, “We arrived just before President Obama’s trip and I was struck by the interest in economic and political openings his trip signified to many of the Cubans I spoke with.” The visit reflects Shefner’s long-standing interest in Latin America and political movements and transformations.