February 21 – The I.S. Department cosponsored a lecture by Bryan Caplan, George Mason University on “The Myth of the Rational Voter.”  Professor Caplan encouraged students to adapt an economic approach when considering what voters want delivered to them via the political process.

March 11 – The Department sponsored its annual “What to do with the I.S. major?” program.  Several departmental faculty spoke at the program along with two alumni guests – Douglas Fancher (’64) and Harry Lebair (’02).

April 1 –Steven Preston, the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, delivered a lecture on “The U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.” Administrator Preston emphasized the connection between the promotion of free trade and the success of small businesses across the U.S.  He was accompanied by Meredith Davis (’01) who was recently named the Assistant Administrator at SBA.

April 3 – The department cosponsored a lecture by Laura Haas, Tulane University, entitled, “Disaster, Development, and Gender: Experiences From Rwanda and New Orleans.”

April 8 – Professor Andrew Michta returned from his sabbatical leave at the German Marshall Center to deliver a lecture entitled, “The Changing Nature of War in the 21st Century.”  Professor Michta then joined guest visitors from the Trezevant Manor senior center for dinner in the Refectory.  (The Department also celebrated Prof. Michta’s birthday with cake and good cheer.)

April 25 – The I.S. Department Picnic sponsored its annual end of the year BBQ picnic.  At the picnic, graduating members of the Sigma Iota Rho honorary society received their graduation cords and the 2008 edition of Modus Vivendi was unveiled. 

May 10 – The I.S. Department joined with the Political Science Department to host a post-commencement reception for graduating seniors under the shade trees outside of Buckman Hall.  This was a good opportunity for departmental faculty/staff to meet with graduates, their families, and friends and wish them well.