Spring Break
FAS develops conversation on campus
Issue date: 3/6/08
The Johns Hopkins Foreign Affairs Symposium, commonly known as FAS, is an irreplaceable element of the intellectual atmosphere at Hopkins. Giving students the opportunity to engage in one-on-one dialogue with top political figures, such as John Bolton, Thomas Friedman and Joseph Stiglitz may be something that many people would consider characteristic to a distinguished university such as Hopkins.
Few realize, however, that the 17 Hopkins freshmen, sophomores and juniors who comprise the FAS staff are solely responsible for gathering the funding that allows FAS to survive.
The symposium's goals are pursued by these individuals who believe in the organization's ability to foster dialogue on campus, provoking students to challenge their opinions on politics, economics and their own potential to change the international community.?
Speakers that agree to speak for the symposium are motivated by a desire to further cultivate the developing minds of their audience.
Paul Rusesabagina, this fall's first speaker, played a key role in protecting more than 1,200 refugees during the Rwandan genocide of 1994. NPR correspondents have described Rusesabagina as the?"Oskar Schindler of Africa," and his lecture at Hopkins filled Shriver Hall to capacity.
Few consider the complexity of logistically organizing this type of event. Everything from making his travel arrangements to publicizing the event was accomplished by the FAS staff and its co-chairs. This incredible group of young men and women were able to successfully host the event with scarce guidance from adults and Hopkins appropriated funds. ?And there are many events to come.
FAS exists to stimulate intellectual dialogue both on the Hopkins campus and the greater Baltimore area. This dialogue is the first step in preparing our generation to be active and responsible global citizens; we must consider and discuss the vital issues of the wider world before we can ever hope to change them. Globalization will not allow us to ignore these factors.
Few realize, however, that the 17 Hopkins freshmen, sophomores and juniors who comprise the FAS staff are solely responsible for gathering the funding that allows FAS to survive.
The symposium's goals are pursued by these individuals who believe in the organization's ability to foster dialogue on campus, provoking students to challenge their opinions on politics, economics and their own potential to change the international community.?
Speakers that agree to speak for the symposium are motivated by a desire to further cultivate the developing minds of their audience.
Paul Rusesabagina, this fall's first speaker, played a key role in protecting more than 1,200 refugees during the Rwandan genocide of 1994. NPR correspondents have described Rusesabagina as the?"Oskar Schindler of Africa," and his lecture at Hopkins filled Shriver Hall to capacity.
Few consider the complexity of logistically organizing this type of event. Everything from making his travel arrangements to publicizing the event was accomplished by the FAS staff and its co-chairs. This incredible group of young men and women were able to successfully host the event with scarce guidance from adults and Hopkins appropriated funds. ?And there are many events to come.
FAS exists to stimulate intellectual dialogue both on the Hopkins campus and the greater Baltimore area. This dialogue is the first step in preparing our generation to be active and responsible global citizens; we must consider and discuss the vital issues of the wider world before we can ever hope to change them. Globalization will not allow us to ignore these factors.
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