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PAST ISSUES

Author to speak about Middle East

by Michelle Santos
Exchange Staff

     Greg Mortenson, author of a required summer read for all  freshmen, will be visiting campus to speak to students on his experience building schools in the Middle East.

     On November 6 at 10:00 a.m, Mortenson will be speaking to students about his book Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School At A Time. He will be speaking in Pierce Hall.

     The book is about Mortenson's work in Pakistan and Afghanistan building schools for people living in poorer, remote regions. His work came at a time when many people in the United States wanted nothing positive to do with those countries because of the 9/11 attacks. The theme of the book is centered around Mortenson's attempts to educate these children so that they won't end up terrorists-- essentially fighting terrorism through education.

      "Since his book was our summer reading selection, all of the first year students are very familiar with his work and with what motivated him. It will be interesting to meet the person who we have read so much about," said Joni Doherty, Director of the NE Center for Civic Life and an Individual and Community professor. 

     Professor Molly Haas said, "I think he will also respond to questions from the students, and that may be the most exciting part of all."

     Associate Director of Admissions Linda Quimby had a large  role in getting Mortenson to come to campus by talking with members of Mortenson's staff and organizer of Mortenson's already planned trip to New Hampshire. "We've been trying to get him to come to Franklin Pierce for months and initially he declined," said Doherty. "He gets more invitations than he can possibly accept and he dislikes making public appearances, so I was delighted and surprised by the news."

     Teachers are encouraging their students to attend. "Students have told me that even if we weren't going as a class they would want to go on their own," said Doherty.

     Freshman Cristina Tryis said, "I really liked his book. I think it will be interesting to hear what he has to say in person."       

     Mortenson will be visiting the campus as part of a tour he is doing of the Northeast. The assembly is open to all students and faculty, and for more information about his visit, students and faculty can contact Linda Quimby.