A List
3/11/02

ST. LAWRENCE AWARDED GRANT FOR ASIAN STUDIES PROGRAM
CANTON, N.Y. - The Freeman Foundation has awarded a $1 million grant to 
St. Lawrence University to establish a four-year initiative in Asian 
studies that will include new academic programs, faculty development 
seminars, international research scholarships, outreach to area public 
schools and cultural events on campus.
	The Asian Studies Initiative at St. Lawrence, funded by the 
Freeman Foundation, will aim to strengthen student enrollment in Asian 
studies courses, provide more students with the opportunity to study in 
Asia and increase campus and community resources on Asia. 
	Among the projects planned under the initiative are:
	- A four-year faculty development series called "Asia Across the 
Curriculum," in which faculty will study issues related to human rights; 
arts and literature; health; and economy. It will include guest speakers 
and cultural events on campus and a group research trip each year to a 
different Asian country.
	- The addition to the curriculum of three new Asian studies combined 
major programs, in philosophy, art history, and global studies.
	- Faculty-led summer research trips for students, beginning with a 
trip to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam in 2003, with subsequent trips to 
Japan, China and other locations in East Asia and Southeast Asia.
	- Scholarship assistance for students pursuing additional language 
instruction in Asia and the creation of an Asian Studies Research Award for 
outstanding students participating in a program of study in Asia to extend 
their time there in order to conduct research.
	- The development of new study programs in China and Thailand.
	- Development of the North Country Consortium for Asian Studies 
(NCCAS) to serve as the center for information and resources on Asia in the 
region. A week-long conference on campus for K-12 teachers in local school 
districts is planned, to be followed up with publication of a newsletter, 
establishment of an e-mail discussion group and annual cultural events held 
in public schools to coincide with Asian holidays.
	St. Lawrence President Daniel F. Sullivan commented, "The entire 
University community joins me in expressing thanks to The Freeman Foundation 
for this transforming grant, which will help us to elevate our Asian studies 
program to a new level of excellence and prominence. With this funding, our 
Asian studies program will join the list of innovative academic initiatives 
for which we are recognized, and for that, we are very grateful."
  
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