Diplomat-In-Residence Program introduces new lecture series

By Christina Katsifas
Collegian Staff
March 28, 2007

La Salle University’s Diplomat-In-Residence Program will be presenting a lecture series titled “Muslims in America: Life in a Post 9/11 World,” starting April 2. The lectures will take place in the Dunleavy Room between 12:20-2 p.m.

The program will cover a variety of topics ranging from “The Challenges Facing Muslim Americans since 9/11-the Political Context” to “Lessons from Europe: The Impact of the Madrid, London Bombings and the Iraq War on the Muslim Community.”

According to Dr. Cornelia Tsakiridou, Director of the Diplomat-in-Residence Program and a professor of philosophy at La Salle, the program aspires to help students make sense of what is happening in the world by investigating issues faced by the international community from the perspectives of diplomacy, U.S. foreign policy, security, religion, art and culture.

“We want to give students an understanding of what is happening both domestically and internationally,” Tsakiridou said.

Tsakiridou collaborated with a board that includes Margot Soven, Director of the Writing Fellows Program; Marjorie Allen, Associate Professor of English; Vivienne Angeles, Associate Professor of Religion and Anna Melnyk Allen, Assistant Dean of Students.

The Diplomat-In-Residence Program, which operates under the Office of the Provost, also works with the Honors Program, the Religion Department, the Political Science Program, IT and the Art Museum when organizing events.

“We work at different levels and rely on a lot of people,” Tsakiridou said. “Matthew Chverchko from University Communications has done a wonderful job with the poster work. We are just grateful to everyone who has helped with the program this year and throughout the years.”

Initially, the program began with just three days in the spring and was mainly politically focused. However, over time it developed into an annual event composed of lectures, panel discussions, art exhibits and seminars that explore more cultural and religious topics.

According to Tsakiridou, all students are invited to participate in the program as moderators, hosts or research assistants. Students may also apply for a summer internship, as three students have already been awarded internships in the Embassies of Kuwait and Greece, the Consulate General of Israel, as well as the Embassy of Cyprus.

“Students who have had foreign exposure typically get involved with this program,” Tsakiridou said. “However, it is open to everyone, and students may contact me if they are interested in participating.”

katsifasc1@lasalle.edu