This conference marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Latin American Studies program at Ohio University, the only graduate degree program focused on the region in the state of Ohio. 

"Modern Latin America: The Blurring of Ideological Platforms" will include a keynote presentation by Sarah Stephens, director of the Center for Democracy in Americas, paper presentations by faculty, students and other experts in the field, and a Latin concert and dance night.  

Stephens, a well-known advocate for change in U.S. policy toward Cuba, started the Freedom to Travel program in 2001, working to lift the ban on U.S. travel to Cuba.  She has led delegations of U.S. policymakers, academics, experts, and philanthropists to Chile, Cuba and Venezuela on fact-finding and research missions relating to U.S. foreign policy. Her work has been supported by the Atlantic Philanthropies, the Arca Foundation and the Christopher Reynolds Foundation, among others.

Son del Caribe, an Ohio-based salsa band, will conclude the conference with a concert and Latin dance night on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 9 p.m. in Bromley Hall. The band is led by Jaime Morales-Matos, a professor of trombone at Miami University (Ohio) and experienced salsa musician from Puerto Rico, who has played with salsa greats such as Eddie Palmieri and Gilberto Santa Rosa.

The Latin American Studies program is housed within the Center for International Studies. For more information or to access online registration, please visit the Latin American Studies Web site at www.las.ohio.edu/.