Philippe Girard, a professor at McNeese University and scholar of Haitian history, will present the social and economic evolution of Haiti at 7 p.m. Monday in the Kiva.

“Haiti: From Pearl of the Caribbean to Third World Nation,” is presented in collaboration by modern and classical language studies, pan-African studies and the Kent State French Club.

According to a press release, Girard will speak about his new book, “Haiti: The Tumultuous History From Pearl of the Caribbean to Broken Nation,” and explain the effects of the earthquake and cholera epidemic in Haiti.

A reception at the Student Multicultural Center, room 206 of the Student Center, will immediately follow the presentation.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to donate to Kent United for Disaster Relief’s Haiti Tractor Project, an ongoing effort to purchase a tractor to provide a means of cultivating food at Institution Univers, a school in Ouanaminthe, Haiti.

Contact Ellen Kirtner at [email protected].