LIZ WHITENER
The Office of Global Learning
Every Fairleigh Dickinson student knows that we are the “leader in global education,” but what does that actually mean to the average FDU student? Founder Peter Sammartino “wanted to create an institution that would be ‘of and for the world.’ By ‘of the world’ he meant worldly or cosmopolitan. By ‘for the world’ he meant taking our responsibility to our fellow humans seriously,” said Jason Scorza, the associate provost for Global Learning.
Before international studies were viewed as valuable or important, Sammartino was requiring entire departments to study abroad.
He was known for using the school’s own financial accounts to supply students with an international experience.
Sammartino’s dedication to a global perspective gave way to the programs FDU now provides.
Students have many opportunities at hand. They can study abroad almost anywhere, or at FDU’s own Wroxton campus. Students can take a class or a whole semester in their location of choice.
FDU also holds a rare and valuable tool, special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
“This relationship creates numerous opportunities for students and faculty to become involved in the major challenges facing the world today,” said Scorza.
Students can attend a briefing at the U.N. or attend a U.N. Pathways lecture on campus. Other programs include Global Virtual Faculty, NGO Pathways, and FDU’s Global Learning technology initiative.
Taking advantage of these programs will change an average educational experience into a life-changing one.
Global learning “helps prepare students for personal success in an increasingly competitive global marketplace and to be responsible members of an increasingly interdependent global community,” said Scorza.
Jo Anne Murphy, director of United Nations programs for the Office of Global Learning, emphasized that their programs give students the ability to shape their educational experience so that it will be relevant in a global society.
“Whether a student major in nursing, engineering, or social sciences, global learning experiences are feasible for all of our students not only on our campuses, but also just a few miles away at the United Nations,” said Murphy.
An opportunity for every student to learn about and experience a global perspective can be found in the upcoming U.N. Pathways Lecture, “Korea and its Role in its Region and in the World,” featuring Ambassador Park In-Kook.
He will be speaking about the permanent mission of the Republic of Korea. The event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 7 with a reception at 6 p.m. in Hartman Lounge and a forum to follow in Lenfell Hall at 6:45 p.m.
Visit or contact The Office of Global Learning located in the Mansion on the other side of Hartman Lounge or at ext. 8876.
You can email Student Assistant Liz Whitener at lizwhitener@yahoo.com with inquiries about how to get involved.
