Valentino Achak Deng, one of the "Lost Boys of Sudan," will share his story Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 4 p.m. in Room 129 of the University of Wyoming Classroom Building.
A Sudanese refugee, Deng will tell his personal story of migration from Sudan, to Ethiopia and Kenya, and finally the United States. The New York Times described his life as a testament "to human resilience over tragedy and disaster." He eventually resettled in America, to a new set of challenges. Deng's life is the basis of Dave Eggers' epic book "What Is the What."
Deng's lecture is part of a statewide International Studies Scholar Lecture Series funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant. The UW International Studies Program received the grant in partnership with the Wyoming community colleges. All seven of Wyoming's community colleges are participating in the grant.
"The three-year grant, now in its second year, has built a consortium among Wyoming colleges to share a statewide speaker series focusing on a variety of global issues," says Jean Garrison, director of UW International Studies. "We also are working to enhance the international studies course offerings at the colleges, and to build new or expand upon existing international studies programs."
Deng's visit is also sponsored by the Wyoming Council for the Humanities and the University of Wyoming Office of Academic Affairs. A reception will follow the lecture and books written by Deng will be available for signing.
For more information, contact Jeanette Reisenburg, (307) 766-3415, e-mail jeanette@uwyo.edu.
Photo: Valentino Achak Deng, will speak Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 4 p.m. in Room 129 of the University of Wyoming Classroom Building. (International Studies)
