Ambassadors from around the world gathered Friday in the William Rainey Harper Memorial Library to discuss the role the University of Chicago and other universities in the Midwest should play in global research and education.
The event, part of a three–day “Experience America” trip to Chicago for the chiefs of diplomatic missions to the United States, gave the ambassadors a chance to dine and exchange ideas with University faculty, officials, and undergraduate and graduate students.
A video featuring U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton welcomed the ambassadors to Chicago, Clinton’s hometown and home of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
The ambassadors’ visit to campus was devoted to the topic of “Community and Culture,” and the important role a research university plays in both arenas. President Robert J. Zimmer began the discussion with a nod to past and present achievements by Chicago faculty members who have had a tremendous global impact.
“Whether it is the beginning of the age of nuclear energy, whether it is in the conceptualizing of economics in a way that has had a profound impact on the way societies and economies around the world have evolved, [or] whether it is in the analysis of legal structures,” Chicago faculty have played a profound role, said Zimmer.
Dean of the College John Boyer delved into a little bit of the library’s history, “a room filled with rich and evocative memories,” and talked about Harper as a man, and his role in crafting the University of Chicago.
Later, in private sessions over breakfast, the guests debated education theory and practice with University administrators, faculty members and students.
Cathy Cohen, deputy provost for Graduate Education, also addressed the group. “We are an institution characterized by open inquiry and intense debate. It is our hope that you had a chance to experience a bit of this debating society during breakfast.”
Cohen also spoke about the importance of scholarship and its impact on the world, noting the University’s increasingly global outlook. “While I am proud of the work that we do to advance knowledge, improve lives, and empower people; with each passing year, I know that this University, in fact, all universities must become more open, more outward facing, if we are to fulfill our societal responsibilities and if we are to benefit from the global diversity of knowledge.”
—Prof. Chuan He
