The University of Pittsburgh Presents International Week 2008, Sept. 22-28

PITTSBURGH-Pitt's International Week 2008 will celebrate the cultural diversity of the University, Oakland, and the greater Pittsburgh community Monday, Sept. 22, through Sunday, Sept. 28. The week features panel discussions, lectures, and international food, dance, art, music, and films. The event is sponsored by Pitt's Global Studies Program in the University Center of International Studies and Student Affairs' Office of Cross-Cultural and Leadership Development, in collaboration with a number of student and community organizations, and with special partner GlobalPittsburgh in celebration of the Pittsburgh 250 Initiative. All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

International Week aims to expand the awareness of and interest in global learning opportunities by celebrating the intercultural diversity of campus life. It also supports and complements the University's academic and public service missions.

"As we celebrate our 250th anniversary, we must recognize our region's international influence and flavor in all that we do," said Robert Petrilli, senior vice president of Pittsburgh 250. "The University of Pittsburgh's International Week is a showcase event that gives us an opportunity to share that story."

This year's International Week lineup includes four lectures of global interest by renowned experts in the fields of international public health, business, and law and the global war on terror. More information on these events as well as other highlights follows.

Sept. 23 Lecture,"The Eradication of Smallpox: What We Should Have Learned But Didn't"

3 p.m., Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, 650 Schenley Dr., Oakland.

2008 John C. Cutler Memorial Lecture in Global Health will present a lecture by D.A. Henderson, University Distinguished Service Professor and Resident Scholar at UPMC's Center for Biosecurity, on the eradication of smallpox-a remarkable victory for international public health. The 10-year program, which began almost by accident, was predicted to fail before it started, and repeatedly came close to disaster. Henderson was director of the World Health Organization's global smallpox eradication campaign and the founding director of the Center for Civilian Biodefense Strategies at Johns Hopkins University. The event is sponsored by the Graduate School of Public Health.

Performance, Steel Pan Drummers

6-8 p.m., William Pitt Union (WPU) Ballroom, 3959 Fifth Ave., Oakland.

Steel pan drummers will perform in celebration of the Afro-Caribbean culture. The event is cosponsored by the African Studies Program and the African Student Organization.

Oakland International Restaurant Tour

6-9 p.m., various Oakland restaurants.

Sample a variety of international foods at participating restaurants with the purchase of a ticket ($10 in advance/$15 at the door). Tickets, on sale through Sept. 19, can be purchased in advance at the WPU Ticket Office. Only 300 tickets are available for purchase.

Sept. 24 Presentations, International Research by Pitt Students

All-day event, WPU.

Undergraduate and graduate students will present their research on a variety of international topics. The event is cosponsored by the Graduate School of Public Health, International Business Center within the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, and the University Center for International Studies Area Study Center.

Lecture and Panel Discussion, "Chindia Rising: How China and India Will Benefit t the Global Economy"

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., WPU Lower Lounge.

Jagdish Sheth, Charles H. Kellstadt Professor of Marketing in the Goizueta Business School at Emory University, will discuss how the rise of China and India (Chindia) is not only inevitable, but also will be beneficial to the world. Sheth's talk will be followed by a discussion. Panelists are Pitt faculty members Thomas Rawski, professor of economics in the School of Arts and Sciences; Ravi Madhavan, associate professor of business administration in the Katz School; and Bopaya Bidanda, chair of industrial engineering in the Swanson School of Engineering. The panel will be moderated by Lawrence Feick, director of the University Center for International Studies, senior director of International Programs, and professor of business administration in the Katz School. The event is sponsored by Pitt's International Business Center and the Asian Studies Center.

Sept. 25 Lecture,"The Rule of Law in Modern Iraq: Personal Perspectives"

6 p.m., Teplitz Memorial Courtroom, Barco Law Building, 3900 Forbes Ave.

Haider Ala Hamoudi, Pitt associate professor of law, and U.S. Marine Colonel Paul Amato will present "The Rule of Law in Conflict Iraq: Personal Perspectives," the first lecture in the Center for International Legal Education Rule of Law Lecture Series for the 2008-09 academic year. Hamoudi served as project manager for the DePaul University/USAID program to reform legal education in Iraq from 2003 to 2005 and as legal advisor to the finance committee of the Iraqi Governing Council. Amato served as the Marine Rule of Law Officer and later the senior advisor for a Military Transition Team in Anbar Province. Amato worked to develop the criminal court system in Anbar and later trained, advised, and mentored members of the Iraqi Army. The event is sponsored by Pitt's Center for International Legal Education.

Lecture,"A Status Report on the Global War on Terror"

7 p.m., WPU Lower Lounge.

The Ridgway Center for International Security Studies Speaker Series will present Rand Beers, founder and president of the National Security Network. Previously, Beers served as the national security adviser to the Kerry-Edwards 2004 presidential campaign and was a civil servant for 35 years. The event is cosponsored by the Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies, within the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, and the National Security Network.

Sept. 26 Study Abroad Information Session: International Fair

11 a.m.-3 p.m., WPU Ballroom and Kurtzman Room.

Students who are interested in studying abroad can discover the thousands of study abroad options available. Study abroad providers and student cultural organizations will be available to answer questions. Participants also will be able to enjoy cuisine from around the globe.

Sixth Annual African Festival

2-10 p.m., WPU Assembly Room.

At the festival, students will display photo journals and artifacts from trips to Africa. Other highlights include a performance and dance workshop, African experience and research panel discussion, dinner featuring tastes of the Congo and Ethiopia, and a lecture on Africa's infrastructure.

Sept. 27 29th Annual Latin American and Caribbean Festival

Noon-midnight, WPU.

The diversity of Latin American and Caribbean cultures will be displayed through exhibitions, food, arts and crafts, fine art, music, and dance. The festival will feature special guest Lula das Vassouras, a Brazilian carnival mask artist since the 1960s. He will display his masks and demonstrate how he creates them. Masks will be available for sale to the public. (Location to be announced at the festival.) At 10 p.m., salsa dancing with Marlon Silva will begin in the WPU Assembly Room.

For more information about International Week, contact Global Studies at 412-648-5085 and global@pitt.edu, or visit www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/internationalweek for a complete calendar of events.

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Pittsburgh 250 is the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the naming of the region in 1758. With the support of business, government, and civic leaders from across the region, Pittsburgh 250 has set three goals: Improve awareness of Southwestern Pennsylvania as a global leader in arts, science, and quality of life through an integrated regional marketing effort; support the completion of lasting signature projects that connect the region's past to its future; and improve the region's competitiveness for future generations by encouraging grassroots participation in improving communities, attracting visitors, and living healthier lives.

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