Iraqi Scholar Speaks Tuesday; Begins Fellowship at VSU

VALDOSTA - Dr. Abdulamir Al-A'asam, a Louie A. Brown Scholar beginning a 1.5-year fellowship at Valdosta State University, will share his experiences with local community at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, in the Powell Hall Auditorium.

The Iraqi native lived during the chaos of post-invasion Iraq when more than 1,500 scholars and educators were driven from the country under the threat of death. His presentation will offer a first hand account of real situations scholars faced during this era and details on his educational background.

Al-A'asam holds a doctorate in religious philosophy from University of Cambridge, England, and has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in philosophy for many years in Iraqi universities. He is a founding member of the House of Wisdom, a multi-university post-graduate research institute in Bagdad, and a former president of the Arabic League of Islamic Scholars. His experience in the study of philosophy spans decades and has lead him to many academic accomplishments.

During his fellowship at VSU, he will be teaching Islamic studies and related issues. His presence is a result of a new collaboration between VSU's Center for International Programs and the Institute of International Education's Scholar Rescue Fund.

More information is available at http://www.iie.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Programs7/SRF/SRF.htm or by calling CIP at (229) 333-7410.