FIU to host Pan American Round Table

A women’s organization founded in 1916, the Pan American Round Table promotes mutual understanding, friendship and democracy among the nations of the Western Hemisphere. The director of international affairs for the Organization of American States (OAS) will speak at the conference on June 18.

By Sissi Aguila

The 2009 Pan American Round Table (PART) meeting, sponsored by FIU’s Latin American Caribbean Center in partnership with the Department of Politics and International Relations as well as Sigma Iota Rho (FIU’s International Relations Honor Society), will be held at University Park on June 18.

PART is a women’s organization, composed of more than 7,000 volunteers, which aims to promote mutual understanding, friendship and democracy throughout the Americas. Founded in 1916 by Florence Griswold, the nonpartisan group familiarizes members with the language, geography, history, literature, arts, culture, and customs of the republics of the Western Hemisphere.

With chapters in 17 countries and Puerto Rico, PART sponsors various projects focused on education including libraries, awards and scholarships. Organizers of the Miami chapter, currently celebrating its 25^th anniversary, hope that the FIU conference will help expand the movement and inspire a new generation of women.

Guest speakers will include Irene Klinger, director of international affairs for OAS, who will present a lecture on “The Role of Civil Society in the Organization of American States;” Helena Richards, the Lifetime Honorary Pan American Woman, who will discuss “History, Objectives and Achievements of the Pan American Round Tables;” and Vianey Aponte-Uss ’95, associate director Miami’s PART, who will present “Pan American Movement? What is in It for You;” The conference will be moderated by Ruth Jimenez, chairwoman for the FIU Honors College Advisory Board.

The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the Graham Center West Ballroom. All members of the blue-and-gold community are encouraged to attend. Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information on scholarships or the event, call 305-348-2894.