On Tuesday, November 18, 2025 from 4:30 to 6 pm in the Tippie Alumni Center Ballroom, Allegheny College welcomes Venezuelan author Juan Carlos Méndez Guédez to celebrate the publication of his first novel co-translated into English by Professor Barbara Riess, Briefcases from Caracas (Black Square Press, 2024). A bilingual reading from the novel will be followed by a Q&A from the audience. Refreshments will be served.

As part of a 3-day residency working with students of Spanish and Latin American Studies, Méndez Guédez “unpacks” his unique insights into political corruption and its effects on Venezuelan culture and migration.

For more information or a preview copy of the reading, contact Professor Riess at briess@allegheny.edu.