Spanish for Service and the Professions minor

Malone’s new Spanish for Service and the Professions minor focuses on preparing students for the use of Spanish in specific workplace settings. 

“Emphasis will be placed on oral skills and the ability to speak Spanish as opposed to traditional liberal arts Spanish programs which are focused on readings and classical literature,” said Provost Gregory Miller. “We desired to bring language study back to Malone and to prepare students to serve in bilingual settings no matter what their vocation might be.”

Myriah Smith ‘23 enrolled in the program when it launched last fall. 

“I hope to become more proficient in speaking Spanish,” she said. “The United States is becoming more diverse, but we’re one so I think it makes sense to be bilingual. We’re one of the only countries that does not heavily focus on language in education, so I’m glad this program has helped introduce that opportunity.”

The minor is stackable with any major, so Instructor of Spanish Camelly Cruz-Martes has structured her class to be a resource for a variety of student interests. This includes those studying business, social services, and the medical field. The class requires that students enroll with some level of Spanish-speaking experience; the program starts with two semesters of intermediate Spanish, includes two semesters of advanced Spanish, and an experiential, 120-hour internship. 

Spanish for Service and the Professions was a strategic addition to Malone’s programmatic offerings and is an initial step to the reintroduction of language study at Malone. Miller recognizes the value in foreign language study. 

“Fundamentally, what a Malone education is about is loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and loving your neighbor as yourself,” said Miller. “Our hope is that the study of a foreign language will help students to see the world from different perspectives and will lead them to develop compassion and empathy for people who are not part of their cultural grid. Our black and brown brothers and sisters in Christ are increasing in numbers so there’s tremendous value in being able to recognize and connect with this really important part of the church.”