Kansas State University

MANHATTAN — Three Ecuadorian dignitaries — Ecuadorian Ambassador Nathalie Cely; Vice Minister María del Pilar Troya from SENESCYT, the Ecuadorian governing body of higher education; and Freddy Alvarez, general research dean of the Instituto de Altos Estucios Nacionales — will visit Kansas State University as part of the university's Day of Ecuador on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

Media are invited to attend a news conference with a panel of representatives from Ecuador and Kansas State University from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Big 12 Room in the K-State Student Union. Cely and del Pilar Troya, the undersecretary of higher education, will be available for media interviews during this time.

Other Kansas State University officials who will be available for interviews include: April Mason, provost and senior vice president; Sue Maes, dean of the university's Global Campus; and Debbie Mercer, dean of the College of Education.

Media also are invited to cover Day of Ecuador events. The day provides a forum for researchers, educators and students to exchange and discuss education-related ideas. Activities include a panel discussion with Ecuadorian and Kansas leaders, a trade exhibit and a musical showcase by Papaya Dada, an Ecuadorian jazz band.

The Day of Ecuador precedes the Aug. 7 graduation of more than 100 Ecuadorian students from Kansas State University's Go Teacher scholarship program.

Since 2012 the university has partnered with the Ecuadorian government — including the Ministry of Education and SENESCYT — for the Go Teacher program. Go Teacher enhances the English proficiency of teachers in Ecuador and provides them with instruction in teaching English as a second language. Collaboration with Kansas State University's College of Education, Center for Intercultural and Multilingual Advocacy and office of international programs has brought 427 Ecuadorian students to the Manhattan campus since the program began.

For more information about the Day of Ecuador and a schedule of events, visit http://global.k-state.edu/dayofecuador/.

MEDIA RSVP: Media are asked to RSVP to media@k-state.edu or call 785-532-2535 by noon Tuesday, Aug. 5.

MEDIA ARRANGEMENTS: An audio pool feed will be provided.

NEWS MEDIA PARKING: Media may park in the K-State parking garage, south of the K-State Student Union, where parking is $1.50 an hour on a space-available basis. Please allow ample time for parking.

SECURITY: Media should be prepared to have camera bags, computer bags, etc., searched.