School of International Studies Headlines

Weisenfeld to speak in the Wes Watkins Distinguished Lectureship Series

By Krista Anderson

STILLWATER - Paul Weisenfeld, Assistant to the Administrator, directing the Bureau for Food Security, which leads President Obama’s Feed the Future Initiative will be the next presenter in the Wes Watkins Distinguished Lectureship Series. He is slated to present his presentation titled “The Future of Global Food Security” on Feb. 8, 2012 at 3:30 p.m. in the Wes Watkins Center.

Weisenfeld is responsible for overseeing the Agency’s technical and regional expertise focused on improving food security and reducing persistent rural poverty. A Minister-Counselor in the Senior Foreign Service, Weisenfeld has served for nearly twenty years at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in four oversees posts and in Washington, D.C.

This free event begins at 3:30 p.m., is open to the public, and is especially suitable for students, those interested in food security, international opportunities and non-government organizations.

The United States Congress passed the Foreign Assistance Act in 1961 to administer long-range economic and humanitarian assistance to developing countries. Two months after passage of the act, President John F. Kennedy established USAID.

With approximately 8,600 employees that work in collaboration with a variety of other U.S. Government agencies and private entities, USAID is the primary source for U.S. development assistance abroad.

“Recognizing the link between the 1 billion people facing chronic food insecurity and global conflicts, USAID has a major focus on agricultural and rural development. Paul Weisenfeld is the U.S. government’s leader in this effort. I hope that anyone interested in or involved in international development, agriculture or reducing global conflicts will attend the lecture,” said Mike Dicks, Wes and Lou Watkins chair of international trade and development. “They can get a first-hand account of USAID’s international programs and strategies from one of the most knowledgeable U.S. international development professionals.”

The Wes Watkins Distinguished Lectureship Series is an endowed lectureship honoring former U.S. Representative Wes Watkins. The lectureship series is designed to assist and encourage Oklahoma business owners in developing and expanding their economic opportunities. Students and community members also stand to benefit from the knowledge and diversity provided by the lecturers. Congressman Watkins, an OSU graduate, is committed to outreach, international trade and the economic development of Oklahoma.

For more information, contact Mike Dicks at 405-744-7127.

OSU to feature Point Four Documentary

STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University Division of International Studies and Outreach will show the movie premiere of The Point Four Documentary on Feb. 2, 2012 at 7 p.m. in the Wes Watkins Center Auditorium.

Other showings will take place on Feb. 3 in the same location at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Both days the event is free and open to the public.

Point Four highlights the history of Haramaya University, an agricultural technical campus in Ethiopia established in 1956 in collaboration with the United States government and with assistance from OSU. Formerly known as Alemaya College, the institution was officially inaugurated by Emperor Haile Selassie on January 16, 1958.

“The documentary is about U.S. foreign policy that was successfully implemented in Ethiopia,” said Mel Tewahade, director of the Point Four Documentary. “The Alemaya College was established with the help of Oklahoma State University. They provided the expertise and Ethiopia provided the funds.”

The film borrows its name from President Harry Truman’s 1949 inaugural address in which he announced a technical assistance program for developing countries that later became known as “The Point Four Program.”

David Henneberry, Associate Vice President for International Studies and Outreach, said the Point Four program resulted in America’s close partnership with Ethiopia in helping to establish some of the country’s technical higher-education institutions.

“This documentary is a great way to showcase the history and partnership between OSU and Haramaya University and how two countries came together for the common good of the people,” Henneberry said.

In 1951, representatives of the United States and the Ethiopian government signed an agreement which promised cooperation in the exchange of technical knowledge and skill necessary to contribute to the development of economic resources and productive capacities of Ethiopia.

The two countries signed an agreement in 1952 to start building the Imperial Ethiopian College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts. It was decided that Henry Bennett, then president of OSU, head up a plan to assist Ethiopia with the creation of an agricultural college. With the support of members of the Point Four team and Haile Selassie himself, the project began in 1952.

A site in the province of Harar was chosen and OSU began by establishing physical plants and bringing in staff to run academic and research programs. By the time the program came to an end in 1968, there were 300 highly trained American citizens that lived and worked in Ethiopia to build this university.

The movie features interviews with Americans who were involved with the program in Ethiopia as well as Ethiopian graduates from the school.

“My inspiration to make the movie is to honor all the great people including my own father who worked hard to establish this agricultural college,” said Tewahade. “As a kid I traveled to Alemaya from our house in Harar and I have a pleasant memory of the place.”

Watch the Point Four trailer at http://vimeo.com/29749974. For additional information about attending a showing of the movie e-mail Katie.reim@okstate.edu.

OSU International Studies & Outreach Would like to thank the companies and individuals that donated to our departmental United Way fundraising efforts.

OSU International Studies & Outreach

Would like to thank the companies and individuals that donated to our departmental United Way fundraising efforts.

• Bad Brad’s BBQ
• Cherokee Strip BBQ
• EPS Settlements Group
• Freddie Paul’s Steakhouse
• IS&O Staff and Students
• Kline’s BBQ
• McBride Orthopedic Hospital Physicians
• Meditations
• OK Party Box
• One Call Medical
• Red Rock Bakery
• Rib Crib
• Shake, Rattle & Roll

Thanks to you, we raised over $1500 for United Way!

School of International Studies graduates 22 students

STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University School of International Studies (SIS) graduated 22 students from the Master’s of International Studies program.

Graduating students represented 9 countries including Ethiopia, Vietnam, Mexico, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Thailand and the United States.

“An interdisciplinary program such as ours presents special challenges for students and faculty alike,” said Joel Jenswold, SIS director of graduate programs. “The success of our students is a testament to the talent and commitment of both groups.”

During graduation ceremonies, Ken Eastman, OSU management professor, was recognized as the outstanding faculty.

The School of International Studies is OSU’s academic framework for integrating the resources of all eight OSU academic units and colleges to expand international opportunities in instruction, research and outreach for individuals and organizations seeking a greater understanding and involvement in world trade and international affairs.

The School is housed in the Wes Watkins Center, which serves as a focal point for international activities at OSU. Operating as part of the Division of International Studies and Outreach the School helps carry out the University's outreach missions of providing educational programs and services beyond traditional campus boundaries.

The School of International Studies offers a Graduate Program, the English Language Institute; Study Abroad/National Student Exchange Office; Peace Corps Recruitment support; Fulbright Resource Center; OSU Chapter of the Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society; OSU Chapter of the Sigma Iota Rho Honor Society and International Outreach Unit.

Oklahoma State University School of International Studies (SIS) graduated 22 students from the Master’s of International Studies program. Pictured are the graduating students representing 9 countries including Ethiopia, Vietnam, Mexico, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Thailand and the United States.

Point 4 Documentary