A Long Line of Links

As FDU delves deeper into the fabric of the United Nations, it adds new opportunities for its students. For instance, the United Nations Reading Resources Center in the Metropolitan Campus’ Weiner Library provides a wealth of information on the United Nations and FDU’s role as an NGO, as well as copies of videos/DVDs from the lecture series and other global materials.

At the same time as the University has become close to Amb. Ahmad Kamal, it also has broadened its connections and developed relationships with other U.N. dignitaries. For example, Sunaina Lowe, a U.N. official in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, has spoken at a faculty seminar and also is a member of FDU’s Global Virtual Faculty™ — scholars and practitioners from around the world who contribute to online courses. “We want to build our U.N. network,” says Michael Sperling, associate provost for interdisciplinary, distributed and global learning.

U.N. officials have spoken at other University events. For example, the Jordanian ambassador delivered a keynote address at a conference on global education, and a senior officer from the U.N.’s World Health Organization (WHO) was the keynote speaker at the Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health’s 50th anniversary celebration. FDU’s Center for Health Care Management Studies sponsored a live, interactive seminar from WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. In addition, David Dollar (son of John Dollar, FDU professor emeritus of humanities), a director at the World Bank (a U.N. agency), spoke at one of the University’s Global Leadership Seminars.

Then there’s the ancillary relationships that strengthen the overall U.N.-FDU connection. For instance, alumnus H. Lloyd Weston, BS’74 (R), was a featured U.N. artist in 2003, while faculty member Frank Brunetti, a professor of law and taxation, has served as an observer and consultant with the ad hoc U.N. Group of Experts on Cooperation in International Tax Matters. The group was established by the secretary-general to suggest ways to facilitate the conclusion of tax treaties between developed and developing countries and to deal with international tax issues.

And new developments continue almost on a daily basis. Most recently, Fairleigh Dickinson University was invited by the United Nations Foundation to join its nationwide program known as “The People Speak.” This effort, involving organizations and institutions across the political spectrum, features a series of debates, forums and discussions on critical international issues. As a member, the University will host and organize one of these “town meetings.” FDU was selected because of its leadership in encouraging international understanding.

Return to Opening Page
Renewing Old Bonds | An Illustrious Lineup
Curricular Connections | In the Front Lines
Students Seize the Initiative | A Long Line of Links

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For a print copy of FDU Magazine, featuring this and other stories, contact Rebecca Maxon, editor,
at 201-692-7024 or maxon@fdu.edu.