The U.N. Pathways lecture series, sponsored by the FDU Department of Global Learning, recently concluded for the semester with the last lecture on Venezuela and the prior one being on the European Union.  For about the past six years, FDU has sought to encourage its students to think globally by providing ambassadors to speak to the students at these lectures.

Dr. Marilyn Rye, Associate Provost at the College at Florham, states that learning does not simply happen in the classroom, but outside of it as well. 

“A great deal of students’ education in college comes from outside the classroom, in addition to their course work. It is important for a college campus to have an environment where there are many opportunities for students to gain a general awareness of the world they live in.” 

Laymah Cisco, a freshman who has lived in the U.S. for ten years after moving here from her native Liberia, can’t emphasize enough the learning that occurs at the lectures.

“I truly did learn so much about the EU and its intentions . . .  I really feel that these lectures serve to educate students who have never left the U.S. on global affairs because there is so much we don’t know. I only wish students were required to attend, so that a lot of us can see what information is right under our noses.”

However, it is not only the lecture, but the dinner afterwards that educates the students.  It is a much more intimate setting than the lecture.  Because it is open to those with reservations only, there are fewer people, and students can get the chance to talk to the ambassador one-on-one. 
Mark Sapara, Assistant Dean and Director of the FIS program, believes that the students that attend the dinner as well as the lecture tend to get the most out of the experience. 

“Those moments seem to be the ones where students recognize the magnitude of the experience.”
Some students, however, feel that improvements can be made to the program.  Rob Rosano, a sophomore Biochemistry major, feels that the dinner should be open to more students. 

“There are so many students who are eager to attend the dinner, whether they have been told by admissions about it and given the impression that it is more open, or because they are truly interested in interacting with the people there.  But so few students are allowed to attend that it makes me wonder:  Is this for the faculty or those here for an education?” 

Mark Sapara suggests that “perhaps there should be a ‘cocktail hour’ before the lecture where students are invited to attend.”

Overall, the U.N. pathways lectures have definitely made a lasting impact on the student body. 
“I think that . . . the U.N. connection has attracted students here and that the lectures have increased students’ interest in global issues,” said Rye. “As you can tell from going to the lectures, today we always have a large number of students in the audience and they ask thoughtful and interesting questions.” 

Cisco enjoys taking part in the lecture series, and feels that it is very educational. “Those few hours have really gotten my attention as to question what goes on around the globe, and I am so grateful for the chance to attend.” 

JACKIE HUMEN
The Office of Global Learning