Saint Louis University has gone global, as students, faculty and
staff celebrate the fourth annual Atlas Week, titled “Global
Cultures in a Complex World.”

The week is designed to recognize the international dimensions
of SLU’s academic programs and to celebrate the University’s role
in international education and service in light of the Jesuit
tradition.

“The main goal of the Atlas program is to increase the awareness
of our University community to the global issues that confront us
today in an effort to promote discussion and stimulate action,”
said Michelle Lorenzini Ph.D., political science professor and
program coordinator of Atlas Week.

Atlas Week kicked off Monday morning with Mark Chmiel and Anne
Farina, who both spent several weeks in the occupied territories of
Palestine.

The two shared their experiences living with Palestinian olive
farmers, as well as their views on international solidarity and
justice in the violence ridden area.

“Atlas Week celebrates the many ways in which SLU is not only a
microcosm of our complex world but, more importantly, as a major
Catholic and Jesuit university uses its awareness and understanding
to contribute to a better life for all people now and into the
future,” Lorenzini said.

A forum composed of three dignitaries spoke Tuesday afternoon to
a crowded auditorium on “The Impact of Globalization: International
Business, National Culture, International Security and World
Poverty.” The forum consisted of Vice President of Anheuser Busch
International Marty Cargas, Director of the Boeing Company Gene
Cunningham and Lena Candries, vice president of J.W. Lemmens, Inc.
and Honorary Consul of Belgium.

Noted Peace activist Daniel Berrigan, S.J. discussed peace in a
Sept. 11, 2001 world in the Anheuser-Busch Auditorium of Cook Hall
Tuesday afternoon. Berrigan’s ministry combines work with the sick
and poor with his role as a nonviolent civil-disobedient activist
deeply involved in the peace movement throughout his lifetime.

Yesterday afternoon a panel of Jesuits evaluated the moral and
religious significance of globalization, from a faith and justice
viewpoint. The panel said globalization carries with it a set of
values that are often incompatible with religious and cultural
traditions.

The panel also discussed the tension between faith and
globalization. The issues discussed were linked to international
conflicts in addition to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as conflicts
and academics at SLU. Addressing the tension was Carl Starkloff,
S.J., vice president of Campus Mission and Ministry. Bill Ryan,
S.J., and Jim Hug, S.J., discussed faith-doing- justice in the
context of globalization.

John Padberg, S.J., moderated the panel discussion.
Globalization was addressed as one of the major ethical challenges
of the new millennium. Questions were raised as to what
responsibility and duty do we, as a Jesuit university, have to be
educated in the ethical challenges posed by globalization and to
search for practical solutions to make globalization more humane
and just.

Atlas week continues with the fourth annual signature symposium
featuring Nobel peace prizewinner, F.W. de Klerk at 4 p.m. in the
Multipurpose Room of Busch Student Center. He will speak about the
importance of communication and understanding diverse communities
for peaceful co-existence, during the symposium “The South African
Model for Peace and Freedom: From Apartheid to Multicultural
Democracy.” As president of South Africa, de Klerk worked with
Nelson Mandela to end apartheid and bring democracy to the
nation.

de Klerk will speak at the School of Law on Friday, April 2. He
will discuss “The Politics of Constitution Making” at 10 a.m. in
the Anheuser-Busch Auditorium. Following de Klerk speech will be a
panel discussion and question-and answer session.

He will present “Public Service in a Global Context” at 2 p.m.
in the Anheuser-Busch Auditorium. This presentation is focused
toward students, faculty and staff in the College of Public
Service.

On Friday, April 2 the Billiken World Fair will take place from
noon to 3 p.m. in the Quad. The Parade of Nations will kick off the
event that also features live cultural music and dance, academic
and informational booths, carnival games and international student
groups selling cuisine from their respective countries.

That evening, the Graduate School will host a Latin Dance in the
St. Louis Room of the BSC. A Latin DJ from Amoudas Dreamscope
Productions will provide music from 8 p.m. to midnight. Free dance
lessons will be available from 7 to 8 p.m. The dance cost $2 and is
open to all graduate and undergraduate students, faculty and staff
members.