What's Happening at PAWAC?

Lebanon faces seemingly insurmountable challenges right now. However, the country has demonstrated its resilience and ability to heal deep divisions within its borders. But will the massive explosion in the port on August 4 be the final straw? Dr. Hasan Youness is the face of a new Lebanon. He is young, well-educated, and dynamic. He loves his country, and is committed to working toward a positive future. But even this dedicated professional feels his resolve wavering as he considers the com

Accomplished and timely! PAWAC does it again. On Monday September 16, 2019, PAWAC brought in a fantastic speaker, Mr. Stephen Orlins. He is (and has been for the last 15 years) the president of the National Committee on United States-China Relations, and before this he held numerous important positions in communications and banking firms, served in the Office of Legal Advisor of the US Department of State, and was part of the team to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of

According to Dr. Hadi Esfahani, a U of I Professor of Political Science and Economics for the past 35years, the answer is probably no! He immigrated to the US from a small town in the NE of Iran in 1978 and visits his home twice a year. On these visits he certainly talks with family but also with members of his greater community and various campus communities to get a feel for their thoughts and feelings about various matters that he shared with PAWAC on August 15, 2019.

In spite of the title, it is still difficult to make sense of what is happening in Venezuela. Dr. Canache explained the history of the democracy in the country and its progression to an authoritarian state. However, she pointed out that there is a solid portion of the population that clings to the hope of restoring democratic practices. Since she has family who still reside in Venezuela, she knows first-hand that there are many elements within Venezuelan society that are willing to fight to rest

While the conclusion of the United Kingdom’s goal to leave the European Union is still very much up in the air, the history of the decision and the politics of the arguments are worth learning. Dr. Cleeton enlightened us all at this program at Barrack’s Cater Inn on May 16.

Blog by Angela Weck With a crowd of hometown friends, co-workers from his days at Caterpillar, and the usual PAWAC members, Michael Maibach regaled the audience with true stories from his days as a corporate lobbyist. He focused largely on his days at the Intel Corp, a microprocessor company that has grown into a world-wide leader in the industry.

Illinois Central College Peoria, Dogwood Hall Blog by Angela Weck For the third year, the Culinary Arts Program at ICC North has impressed us with their interpretation of food from around the world. The dishes were delicious and mild enough for every palate. They were so beautifully presented that it was a shame to eat them!

Peoria Riverfront Museum Blog By Nikki Eckland ? We began the night off with a viewing of several short films documenting the trials of being a journalist in areas of conflict. One film detailed the importance of “fixers”, who are often unnamed despite their status of being key contributors to international journalism. We then transitioned into discussion with Kristin McHugh and Jenni Monet, both experienced journalists in their own respects. The video linked below contains the whole conve

Bradley Student Center Ballroom Blog by Angela Weck The Leadership Crisis in Illinois, America, and the World John Shaw, Executive Director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Author of the PAWAC Reads! Book Club selection: Rising Star, Setting Sun: Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and the Presidential Transition that Changed America

by Nikki Eckland ?Saturday October 6th PAWAC and The Itoo Society partnered in hosting ‘Why Lebanon Matters’, with discussion lead by Ambassador of Lebanon to the United states Gabriel Issa, Advisor to President Michel Aoun Elias Bou Sabb, and Representative of the US Congress Darin LaHood. Walking into the Itoo Hall was nothing short of beautiful, postcards from Lebanon on each table and white gauze fabric draping the ceiling. There was plenty of time to meet the speakers and make introduction

On August 30, 2018, please join PAWAC in welcoming the following esteemed experts to for a panel discussion on the North American Free Trade Agreement for our program "NAFTA: Past. Present. Future?"

For most travelers, a vacation to Iceland likely does not make the “Top Ten List.” But for Don Samford and a group from Peoria, it was a trip of a lifetime. Don Samford, previous president of the Peoria Area World Affairs Council, is an avid student of history and sociology, with a real talent for capturing his surroundings through photography.

Following a 34 year I/T career, Mac Pogue is an active community volunteer and life long learner who likes to play handball and travel. He is active in the Peoria Area World Affairs Council (PAWAC), the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Bradley University (OLLI), Quest Charter Academy, Scouting, and Friends of Proctor Center (including tutoring GED candidates and teaching handball). Kathryn is former educator who works as a freelance writer and runs a website devoted to STEM. She enjoys vo

Angela Weck has been teaching at Bradley University since 1993. She primarily focuses on Russian history and international studies. She has been involved with the Peoria Area World Affairs Council since 1991, serving in various capacities until becoming the Executive Director in 2000. She stepped down from those duties 2015-2018, but returned to the position just recently.

Pam graduated from Elmira College, Elmira, NY with a B.A. English Literature and later completed an MBA in Human Resource Management at Loyola University of Chicago. Her career in human resources spanned 38 years in both the railroad industry (V.P. Employee Relations, Chemetron Railway Products) and the mining industry (Sr. Manager Human Resources, Komatsu America Corp). Pam served on the Board of Directors for PALM (Peoria Area Labor Management) from 2000 until her retirement in 2013. Pam

For Father's Day Weekend, Mac Pogue of PAWAC was able to show off how much of a "proud papa" he was: and for good reason! Bart Pogue, Mac & Connie's son, is a Peoria native gone international and featured as our expert speaker on Thursday, June 14, 2018, at the Lariat Steakhouse in Peoria.

PAWAC Reads discussed two books for their spring meeting. The first was Democracy: Stories from the Long Road to Freedom, by Condoleezza Rice. This selection was a memoir of Rice's term as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor during the Bush administration. A prominent focus was helping developing nations grow democracies. Successes included Poland, Tunisia, Colombia. Failures included Egypt. The Iraq war demonstrated the difficulties growing democracy in a country with no such hist

The Peoria Area World Affairs Council held its Seventh Annual International Trivia Challenge on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at Itoo Hall, 4909 Farmington Road, in Peoria. Lee Wenger of Peoria Public Radio served as the emcee and the trivia contest featured silent auction, raffle prizes, a cash bar, and free international hors d'oeuvres. Proceeds from this fundraising event support the international education programs sponsored by PAWAC. In particular, this event helps the World Affairs Council se