2009-2010 Academic Year
Panel Discussion: Mideast Today - Politics,
Demography, Energy
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010
Egyptian Ambassador Dr. Fawzy and Israeli Ambassador Shir-On spoke
together at Webster on February 2 on the topic "The Mideast Today:
Politics, Demography, and Energy." Webster professor Dr. Karin Kneissl moderated the discussion. Vienna campus director Dr. Arthur Hirsh welcomed the ambassadors to Webster emphasizing that Webster believes in promoting dialogue, respect and understanding across boundaries and between peoples as a means of providing our students with high quality learning experiences that transform them for global citizenship. In this regard, the evening was truly inspiring to witness Arab and Israeli diplomats exchanging views with each other and answering penetrating questions from our students about some of the most difficult challenges facing the Mideast and the global community.
Both ambassadors shared their insights with the students in a calm, reasoned, yet passionate manner. After the group discussion, the ambassadors stayed on for a reception in their honor and continued to answer questions from students in the informal surroundings of the Thomas K. Lang Gallery over snacks and drinks. It was truly an inspiring evening! |
Dr. Hirsh, Webster University, Vienna, Egyptian Ambassador Dr. Fawzy, Dr. Kneissl, Webster University, Vienna, and Israeli Ambassador Shir-On
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A discussion with H.E. William C. Eacho, III, U.S. Ambassador to Austria
Monday, Jan. 25, 2010
“Taking Stock: One Year of the Obama Administration” was the title of U.S. Ambassador H.E. William C. Eacho, III’s discussion when he visited Webster Vienna on January the 25th. Many members of the Webster community took this opportunity to hear directly from the inside how the US government views the current political situation and plans for the future. The conference center was filled with students, alumni, faculty and staff who engaged in the discussions that spanned over a wide range of foreign to domestic issues such as the financial crisis, the Middle East conflict, the Copenhagen climate conference, the US healthcare reform, etc. The discussion was followed by a reception where the students had the chance to continue the talks with the ambassador.
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Ambassador H.E. William C. Eacho, III |
Alumni Winter Holiday Event
Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009
Did you know that snow globes have been made in Vienna for over 150 years and are transported all over the world? The Vienna alumni chapter does, and this is why they organized a special Alumni Winter Holiday Event at the Original Viennese Snow Globe Manufactory in Vienna. Participants enjoyed a tour of the factory followed by a glass of hot mulled wine.
Locations such as this, small treasures in and around Vienna are such a pleasure to visit and the Alumni Association attempts to capture this special Viennese essence with each event.
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Guest Lecture, Year of International Human Rights “Columbia: More Than Drugs and Guerillas”
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009
In the presentation “Columbia: More Than Drugs and Guerillas” on Nov. 11, Webster graduate Valerie Bode-Aristizabal sought to paint an alternative picture of Colombia, a South American country notorious for political chaos, humanitarian strife and the pervasive presence of drugs and corruption. She covered the intricate history of the country in depth in a two hour lecture, beginning with the pre-colonial era through today, explaining the political origins of FARC, drug cartels and the origins of political distrust, corruption and recurrent violence.
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| As part of Webster’s Year of International Human Rights, her lecture delved into the difficulties of providing Colombians with sufficient access to vital resources, following this year’s theme: the right to food and water. |
United Nations Development Information Day
Monday, Nov. 2, 2009
Webster Vienna alumni and students were invited to jump start their career on November 2, 2009 when the Alumni Association hosted a career day at the United Nations Organization in Vienna.
Active Webster alumna Marion Demmer, MA ’05, currently working at the Criminal Justice Reform Unit, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) organized the event with a tour of the United Nations followed by a presentation about Human Trafficking by a representative of the UNODC.
The group was then invited to a Q & A session hosted by Marion and two other alumni currently employed at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ivan Draganov, MA ’08 and Dejan Dimitrovski, MBA ’08.
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Marion’s objective for the event was to provide valuable tips and insights into the United Nations as well as opening up opportunities to provide information about internships and full time positions. Information was provided regarding the appropriate ways to keep your CV’s up to date; steps to improve your chances at getting a position and clarification of rumors that revolve around the UN job prospects.
The Vienna Alumni Association would like to take this opportunity to formally thank Marion, Ivan and Dejan for their participation in this valuable event. |
Croatian Blue Chapter Kick-off
Friday, Oct. 30, 2009
The Chapter was formed in spring 2009 following the annual Croatian Get-together that was held in Zagreb. After 10 years of regular meetings and constant support for Webster Vienna’s recruiting activities in Croatia the alumni decided it was time to strengthen and develop their commitment by forming this new Chapter.
The Croatian Chapter is open to all Webster alumni living in Croatia regardless of which institution they attended. |
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Seminar on Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Challenges & Opportunities
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009
Webster University's one-day seminar on Nuclear Non- Proliferation on Oct. 29 was a unique opportunity to hear experts discuss security and political aspects of nuclear non-proliferation in an academic setting. The panels consisted of professionals from international organizations like the IAEA and CTBTO, top diplomats and researchers from academia.
 Speakers list and more information (pdf)
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Ambassador Takeshi Nakane |
| Webster University would like to thank the following organizations for their support of this seminar:
Institute of Nuclear Energy Research/Atomic Energy Council, Republic of China (Taiwan), the Korea Atomic Energy
Research Institute and the United States Mission to International Organizations in Vienna.
Special recognition goes to the Permanent Mission of Japan for generously providing their facilities for this event. |
Procedures and Roles of
International Organizations
How to be successful in a multilateral environment
Oct. 28-31, 2009
In October Dr. Karin Kneissl, research faculty member of Webster University Vienna, and Former Foreign Service official of Austria organized a course to assist diplomats and young professionals in learning more about multilateral work at UN agencies and at the OSCE. This course was a complement to other successful programs organized by e.g. UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) and ACUNS (The Academic Council on the United Nations System).
Article: Webster, Diplomacy and the International Organizations in Vienna; By Dr. Karin Kneissl
Course description with list of instructors (pdf) |
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Webster Works Worldwide
Helping Communities Around the World
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009
Webster’s annual community service day – Webster Works Worldwide – is a worldwide university tradition. This year volunteers from Webster Vienna organized a Autumn Kinder Festival for the children of the Clara Fay Kinderdorf. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni engaged in a full day program with activities such as pumpkin carving, handicrafts, and face painting. The festival ended with a much appreciated kid's disco, led by Webster student Sona Klucarova. |
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Alumi Sparkling
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009
The Webster Vienna Alumni Association went on a journey of discovery through the Schlumberger wine cellars in Vienna. This magic place where the bubbles in Schlumberger’s sparkling wine develop is a fascinating mixture of history, tradition and the future. The company has been producing sparkling wine since 1842 using the traditional champagne making methods and is located in the heart of Vienna.
Alumni, staff and faculty were treated to an hour tour of the dark, 300 years old romantic cellar followed by sparkling wine tastings in the Schlumberger Bar.
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Roman Banquet
Tuesday, Sep. 29, 2009
In September the students of GNST 2004 (European Culinary History) invited the whole Webster Vienna campus to a Roman Banquet. The meal was interesting as well as delicious, and all of the recipes dated back to the Roman empire. |
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"Overconfidence of Market Participants – A Psychological Study of Investment Behavior"
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009, at 19:00., Sigmund Freud Museum, Berggasse 19, 1090 Wien.
Lecture in German. Prof. Thomas Oberlechner presented results of his research "Overconfidence of Market Participants – A Psychological Study of Investment Behavior" conducted in cooperation with PMA Hottinger and Sigmund Freud Privatstiftung.
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Guest Lecture: E-Commerce: How it used to be and how it is now
Mr. Rudolf Roessl, MBA (City University of Seattle, Bratislava Campus and E-Commerce
Consultant).
Tuesday, Sep. 29, 14:30-15:30
Mr. Roessl described the evolution and adaptation of Internet technologies for
e-commerce applications and illustrated the features of e-commerce past and present.
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Guest Lecture: Doctors Without Borders
Dr.med. Richard Barta, Medecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders)
Tuesday, Sep. 22, 14:00
Dr.med. Richard Barta, Medecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) spoke about his experience in the field (Ethiopia etc). The lecture was held in the course on international law.
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Online Twitter
Founder Speech
Friday, Sep. 18, 2009 at 17:00 (Austrian time)
Mr. Jack Dorsey, founder of Twitter held a guest lecture at The School of Business & Technology
and The School of Communications
at Webster University in St.Louis.
The entire address was web streamed live.
The lecture is available online at http://www.webster.edu/jackatwebster/ |
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Guest Lecture, Mr. Felix Primetzhofer, Executive Interim Manager
September 16, 2009
Webster’s International Relations Department hosted a guest lecture entitled "China’s Economic Policy and Conduct from an Entrepreneurial Perspective" with Mr. Felix Primetzhofer.
Mr. Primetzhofer, who has many years of working experience with various companies in China, India, and other Asian countries, gave an insightful lecture which focused on China’s quest for identity, its self-perception both as an economic and rising political power. The lecture was open to the public and it was a part of the class "HIST 3150/50 – International Affairs: China’s Foreign and Economic Policies" taught by Dr. Karin Kneissl.
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Mr. Primetzhofer
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Guest Lecture, Ms. Sui Hui,
Managing Director of the Programme and Support Division at UNIDO
September 9, 2009
On September 9th, 2009, Webster University Vienna welcomed Ms. Sui Hui, Managing Director of the Programme and Support Division at UNIDO as a guest lecturer.
The topic of the day was "30 years of Chinese Open Door Policy and Reforms:
Change in People’s life. The lecture was open to the public and it was a part of the class "HIST 3150/50 – International Affairs: China’s Foreign and Economic Policies" taught by Dr. Karin Kneissl. On October 1st, the People's Republic of China
will celebrate its 60th anniversary, and the students of this class will prepare strategy papers with regard to the anniversary.
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Dr. Kneissl, Ms. Sui Hui and
Dr. Hirsh, Director Webster University Vienna
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Presentation of the 2009 Student Art Competition
September 3, 2009
Congratulations to Webster Vienna Art Major, Fangni Wang, winner of the Webster Vienna Student Art Competition held in spring 2009. Her piece "Meet you in the Crowd" is a series of photographs which were taken from a TV screen of president Obama negotiating his way through the masses of people - a fitting piece for the OMV conference center - a meeting point for people, a place of communication and negotiation. Her piece will be seen permanently in the OMV Conference Center.
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Ms. Fangni Wang, winner of the Webster Vienna Art competition
together with members of the jury in front of the winning piece |
2008-2009 Academic Year
Chamber Music Seminar and Concerts
June, 2009
During Summer 2009, the Webster Vienna campus inaugurated a Chamber Music Seminar under the artistic direction of Dr. Daniel Rieppel from Southwest Minnesota State University. Nine students from diverse U.S. university music programs – Indiana University Bloomington, Cal State Long Beach California, University of California Berkeley, College of St. Benedict Minnesota, University of Minnesota Morris, and Southwest Minnesota State - participated in the five week experience which culminated with a final concert of the faculty on June 16 on campus and with a final student concert at Konservatorium Wien on June 18. The workshop conducted by Dr. Rieppel and local artists primarily focused on works by Haydn and Mendelssohn since 2009 is the memorial and birth anniversary year of the two composers.
This summer program is planned to be offered on a yearly basis. Students can enroll in the Seminar and take advantage of private applied music lessons or other Webster University Vienna summer course offerings.
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Faculty concert
Mr. Michael Croitoru-Weissman, Ms. Risa Schuchter
Ms. Gila Perach Hirsh and Dr. Daniel Rieppel
 Student ABSCHLUSSKONZERT |
Webster Donors recognized at Daniel Webster Society Luncheon 2009, Tuesday, June 16,
2009
On June 16, Webster University Vienna held its annual Daniel Webster Society Luncheon in Hotel Regina. The luncheon is a celebration recognizing and honoring the generous contributions of organizations and individuals to the institution during the academic year 2008/09. The scholarship recipients of Inode, Kapsch TrafficCom, P! Solutions Consulting and Styria Medien took this opportunity to thank donors personally for making a difference in their lives. |
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“The scholarship did not only make it possible for me to become a student at Webster University Vienna which has been my dream for quite some time. More importantly, it allowed me to explore a world of business where terms (and classes) like financial accounting, trade & finance, statistics caused many sleepless nights. Yet, these nights were necessary to make the transition from the vague ideas to a clear image of what I wanted to do. And for these sleepless nights I am most grateful to my donors for their support. It is only thanks to them that I am no more an absent-minded visionary but a student with a clear destination.“
Boris Nenchev, Kapsch Scholarship recipient
Daniel Webster Society is the world elite group of donors and supporters of Webster University worldwide. |
Study Trip to Sicily, Webster media classes
May/June,
2009
In spring 2009, professor Mr. Holger Lang organized and offered a study trip to Sicily for two media classes (VIDE 3150 and PHOT 1000). The trip was very successful, and resulted in a large production of images and videos.
At http://www.sicily09.com you find more information about the study trip, including amazing photos, videos and a diary.
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Guest Lecture: Human Trafficking, Breaking the Cycle in a Globalized World
Wednesday, May 6,
2009, 18:00
On May 6, Dr. Helga Konrad, former Federal Minister for Women´s Issues, and a former Special Representative of the OSCE on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, held an guest lecture entitled Human Trafficking: Breaking the Cycle in a Globalized World. Her insightful lecture encompassed numerous elements of this phenomenon, focusing on definition problem, historical overview, disruptive elements and the criteria of success in countering the trafficking in human beings. |
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In making reference to globalization, Dr. Konrad asserts that criminal structures have fully integrated into the global economy, and they represent a mass-network in the global spectrum. The Global fight against human trafficking necessitates partnerships for protection and capacity-building, enforcement of border control, as well as the development of monitoring instruments for the Palermo Protocol (The Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children).
Julijana Bojanic,
Year of International Human Rights (YIHR) Coordinator
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Classics Concert:
Mozart and More
Tuesday, May 5,
2009, 19:00
Seven music students from Webster St. Louis spent their Spring II, 2009 term as study abroad students on the Vienna Campus. Besides studying Vienna and its music, they all worked on their professional careers taking either vocal or piano lessons. Their educational experience culminated with a final classic concert at the Haus Hofmannsthal on May 5, 2009. The students performed works by Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, R. Strauss, Rossini, Léhar, Ravel, Puccini and Von Weber. They earned lots of applause from an enthusiastic audience for their outstanding performance. |
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Visit to the Integrationshaus
Friday, Apr. 24, 2009, 10:00
As a part of Webster University’s Year of International Human Rights (YIHR) events, Webster Vienna recently organized a visit to the “Integrationshaus,” a Viennese institution whoseestablishment followed with the outbreak of war in former-Yugoslavia in 1990’s as a place where displaced people and refugees could seek shelter and accommodation in Austria. The tour offered Webster students the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the institution, as well as to learn about possibilities of taking part in the social and humanitarian work at the Integrationshaus.
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The Integrationshaus was conceived by various private donors, social workers, and artists and today is financially supported by the Austrian government, Vienna’s city municipality, the Ministry of Health, and the EU. At present, the accommodation and administration of the approximately 110 people living in the Integrationshaus falls under the project-CARAVAN initiative, which began in 2004. Since the Integrationshaus was established almost two decades ago, it has successfully supported diverse waves of refugees and has implemented various counseling and training projects aimed at facilitating their integration in Austrian society.
Julijana Bojanic,
Year of International Human Rights (YIHR) Coordinator |
Guest Lecture:
Cross
cultural
differences in
Europe
and their
economic
implications
Thursday, April 23,
2009, 13:30-14:30
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Guest Lecture: Genocide:
Timeless Practices – Timely Concerns
Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2009, 11:15
On April 1 H.E. Jivan Tabibian, former Armenian Ambassador to OSCE in Vienna, held an engaging lecture at Webster University Vienna about genocide entitled "Genocide: Timeless Practices - Timely Concerns". A Princeton-educated political scientist who has served on the faculties at USC, UCLA, and the California Institute of the Arts, Jivan is known to be a deep and provocative thinker. |
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| His insightful lecture included case studies of genocide in Armenia, Rwanda, during the Holocaust, as well as the historical span of the phenomenon. In his presentation he discussed the problem of defining genocide, as well as the common traits of genocides and the role of propaganda, states, and international players in the prevention of genocide, explaining the philosophical concept of ´otherness` as a key variable. |
Guest Lectures: Year of International Human Rights (Peace keeping, mass crimes, and rape)
Monday, Feb. 23,
2009, 18:00
Two interesting YIHR lectures (Year of International Human Rights) were held on Feb. 23 at Webster University Vienna. Mag. Nic Rottenberger held a lecture on the peace keeping mission in the Balkans (Kosovo and Bosnia), entitled "Peace support operations and interventions in cases of genocide and extreme human rights violations". Ms. Irene Kucera, the second guest lecturer, talked about gender issues in modern warfare with case studies from Rwanda and Bosnia. Her lecture was entitled, "Rape, sexual violence, and gender sensitivity for UN peace keepers". |
 Mag. Rottenberger and Ms. Kucera |
The guest lectures were part of the graduate course , INTL 5700 Humanitarian Issues, included in the Master of Arts in International Relations, and were also open to the public. |
Guest Lecture: kika on the road to expansion: Own Outlets vs. Franchise
Tuesday, Feb. 16,
2009, 18:00
Mag. Paul Koch, MBA, Managing Director, Marketing, kika and Leiner, conducted an engaging and interesting guest lecture about the challenges and possibilities of expanding a well established local brand to foreign markets. He shared his experiences and personal insights on how to do business in Eastern Europe, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Russia.
The lecture was attended by Webster alumni and students of the Graduate class: MRKT 5960/17 Marketing Management, Professor: Philipp Fritz, MBA.
kika is one of the leading furniture retailers in Austria, with stores in Central and Eastern Europe as well as Saudi Arabia.
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 Philipp Fritz, MBA, Professor Webster University,
Mag. Paul Koch, MBA Managing Director, Marketing, kika and Leiner, and Dr. Hirsh, Director Webster University Vienna |
Opening of the Exhibition "Vienna's Conscience:
Close-Ups and Conversations After Hitler. Vienna International Center, the United Nations
Tuesday, Jan. 27,
2009, 10:30
More information
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Necropolis in Neglect:
The Währing Jewish Cemetery
Thursday, Dec. 11,
2008, 19:00
Mag. Michael Schneider's class, ART 3850/50 presented their traveling exhibition "Necropolis in Neglect:
The Währing Jewish Cemetery".
More information
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Human Rights and the
media,
Panel Discussion
Wednesday, Dec. 10,
2008, 18:00
Panel Discussion to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Organized in co-operation with the American Embassy, and the American Women's Association. Moderated by Dr. Freund from Webster University.
More information
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Guest Lecture (YIHR),
Challenges to the
absolute prohibition of
Torture
Wednesday, Dec 3, 2008, 6:00 p.m.
The first YIHR lecture (Year of International Human Rights) at Webster Vienna was held by Prof. Nowak, Austrian human rights lawyer and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture. It was a captivating lecture that inspired discusstions.
More information
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Thanksgiving dinner
Thursday, Nov. 27, 2008, 5:00 p.m.
On the 27th of November, students, faculty, staff, family and friends gathered for a Webster Thanksgiving dinner. Director Dr. Hirsh and Academic Director Dr. Fulton served the traditional turkey, and many people brought and shared food from all over the world. It was a lovely evening of joy and laughter.
More pictures |
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Discussion - Analysis of the US election results
Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, 6:00 p.m.
November 6th, 2008 found the world a different place than it was before the US presidential election on November 4th. Webster University Vienna students, staff, and faculty were privy to discover just how different in an analysis of the US election results given by seasoned political insider, US Ambassador to Austria, H.E. David F. Girard-DiCarlo. In an in-depth presentation followed by a Q&A session, Ambassador Girard-DiCarlo addressed statistics of past presidential elections and discussed key factors that led to a Democratic victory in 2008.
Pictures from the discussion |
H.E. David F. Girard-DiCarlo,
US Ambassador to Austria
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Medieval banquet
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
On October 8. a medieval banquet was organized by Dr. Kopel’s and Mr. Newman’s GNST 2004, European Culinary History Class. Authentic food and drinks had been prepared by the class and could be enjoyed to the tones of medieval music.
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Webster Works Worldwide
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008,
Webster’s annual community service day – Webster Works Worldwide – is a worldwide University tradition. Held every October, students, faculty, staff and alumni from Webster campuses around the world work in teams to help a local non-profit agency/organization. On the 4th of October, volunteers from the Vienna campus took a group of children from a children’s home to the zoo. It was a great day both for the children as well as for the participants from Webster.
More information about Webster Works Worldwide |
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2008 US Election Debate
Wednesday, Sep. 24, 2008, 7:00 p.m
John McQueen from Democrats Abroad and Patrick Egan from Republicans Abroad met in a lively election debate at the "Volkstheater Forum". The debate was moderated by Dr. Michael Freund from Webster University.
"As a student with an international perspective, it was a great opportunity to understand how and why U.S. politics is so dynamic and yet so stable. I was very impressed with the constructive criticism and realistic debate expressed by the representatives and participants. Certainly, I expect this election to be the most exciting political event I have ever witnessed!"
Haewon Park, International Relations Major
View more pictures from the debate
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Mr. Patrick Egan, from Republicans Abroad. |
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