UNI prepares to host the Dalai Lama
September 27, 2008
The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet has accepted an invitation from the University of Northern Iowa to visit campus for a day of celebrating education and the pursuit of knowledge. UNI is working with the Dalai Lama's North American Representatives to secure a date.
"It is a great honor to have the Dalai Lama accept our invitation to spend time on campus and share his views on the educational values shared by him and UNI," said UNI President Benjamin Allen. "During an audience with the Dalai Lama this summer I was very impressed by his compassion, his humanity and humility and his directness. His presence at UNI will have an impact that lasts long beyond his visit.
"We are aware of the Dalai Lama's health concerns, and our plans will depend on his health and decisions from his office. We remain hopeful that the Dalai Lama will visit UNI within the next few years."
The Dalai Lama is the head of state and the spiritual leader of Tibet, living in exile in Dharamsala, India. He is well known as a humanitarian and an advocate of peace. In 1989, he received the Nobel Peace Prize.
UNI extended a formal invitation to the Dalai Lama in February 2007, recognizing a shared value in education and support for Tibetan education. Since 1994, UNI has had a relationship with The Tibet Fund, supporting scholarships for Tibetan students to study at UNI. Twenty-six Tibetan students have received scholarships to study at UNI through this partnership, the majority of whom enroll in programs in UNI's College of Education.
"Our Tibetan students have been active on campus and found opportunities to share their culture in the classroom and community. They truly appreciate their education," said Kristi Marchesani, UNI assistant director of admissions/international relations. "I see many further opportunities for them to share their worldviews as we prepare for the Dalai Lama's visit."
Details of the visit and pre- and post-visit events and activities will be finalized after the event date is set. Jan Hanish, UNI assistant vice president of outreach & special programs, will lead a steering committee to be named in the coming weeks.
"The focus will be on education in an increasingly global society, the role of education in developing socially responsible citizens and the impact an individual can have on the world," Hanish said. "We want to involve all of UNI's colleges and departments and community members of all ages as we prepare for the Dalai Lama's visit. We have been given a special opportunity to learn more about arts, culture, world religions, politics, peace and the 14th Dalia Lama of Tibet who is considered one of the great world leaders.
A Web site is under construction. Watch for further announcements and links at www.uni.edu.
For more information about the Dalai Lama and a full biography, visit www.dalailama.com.
"It is a great honor to have the Dalai Lama accept our invitation to spend time on campus and share his views on the educational values shared by him and UNI," said UNI President Benjamin Allen. "During an audience with the Dalai Lama this summer I was very impressed by his compassion, his humanity and humility and his directness. His presence at UNI will have an impact that lasts long beyond his visit.
"We are aware of the Dalai Lama's health concerns, and our plans will depend on his health and decisions from his office. We remain hopeful that the Dalai Lama will visit UNI within the next few years."
The Dalai Lama is the head of state and the spiritual leader of Tibet, living in exile in Dharamsala, India. He is well known as a humanitarian and an advocate of peace. In 1989, he received the Nobel Peace Prize.
UNI extended a formal invitation to the Dalai Lama in February 2007, recognizing a shared value in education and support for Tibetan education. Since 1994, UNI has had a relationship with The Tibet Fund, supporting scholarships for Tibetan students to study at UNI. Twenty-six Tibetan students have received scholarships to study at UNI through this partnership, the majority of whom enroll in programs in UNI's College of Education.
"Our Tibetan students have been active on campus and found opportunities to share their culture in the classroom and community. They truly appreciate their education," said Kristi Marchesani, UNI assistant director of admissions/international relations. "I see many further opportunities for them to share their worldviews as we prepare for the Dalai Lama's visit."
Details of the visit and pre- and post-visit events and activities will be finalized after the event date is set. Jan Hanish, UNI assistant vice president of outreach & special programs, will lead a steering committee to be named in the coming weeks.
"The focus will be on education in an increasingly global society, the role of education in developing socially responsible citizens and the impact an individual can have on the world," Hanish said. "We want to involve all of UNI's colleges and departments and community members of all ages as we prepare for the Dalai Lama's visit. We have been given a special opportunity to learn more about arts, culture, world religions, politics, peace and the 14th Dalia Lama of Tibet who is considered one of the great world leaders.
A Web site is under construction. Watch for further announcements and links at www.uni.edu.
For more information about the Dalai Lama and a full biography, visit www.dalailama.com.
