Posted: Friday, January 5, 2018

University chaplain Tamara Gieselman and executive director of international programs Wes Milner accepted an invitation to participate in an international conversation at the United Nations Together Summit in New York City on January 8-9.

The summit centers on a globally-focused campaign to “promote respect, safety and dignity of refugees and migrants.” Event participants and presenters will include educational leaders from American, Asian, and European Universities. Goals of the summit are to begin a conversation centered on breaking down barriers, find solutions to the significant and troubling challenges faced by refugees and migrants, share positive stories of integration, and demonstrate how higher education institutions can make a difference on this important issue.

The invitation was motivated by the U.N.'s recognition of the University of Evansville’s "reputation for engaging with marginalized communities and commitment to learning as a means of attaining freedom from ignorance and prejudice.” Gieselman’s interfaith work in partnership with Harlaxton College has facilitated previous collaborative efforts with De Montfort University in curricular and co-curricular projects.

“We are thrilled that De Montfort University in Leicester, U.K., which has been tasked by the United Nations to reinvigorate the U.N.'s Together Campaign, has invited us to participate in this important summit,” said Gieselman.

Several outcomes are expected as a result of the summit: 1) partner institutions will join together in a social media campaign that creates international reach for the project; 2) a website will be developed to act as a repository to share best practices for refugee outreach work; and 3) the summit will conclude with the creation of a UN Together Action Charter.

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