NEWS

Rima Mrad (I 06) (center) with other OIR participants at the Election Watch Party.

Participants learned more about American history when they toured the WWI memorial in Kansas City.

ALUMNI PROVIDE ELECTION DAY INSIGHT FOR
FOREIGNERS IN U.S. - 12/01/06

Since living in Michigan, Rima Abou Mrad (I 06) has given a number of talks about the political process of her native Lebanon. On November 7, the tables turned for Mrad, as she observed the U.S. voting process up close.

Mrad was an attendee at the Oxford International Review’s (OIR) week-long cultural exchange from November 1-7 at William Jewell College in Kansas City, Mo. to discuss America’s voting system.

TFAS alumni on staff at OIR had a hand in organizing the conference and extending invitations to other TFAS alumni. Anthony Shop (E 03) is Executive Editor and COO at OIR and Becky Perry (E 04) is Managing Editor. 

“I am so thankful I attended the conference,” said Mrad. “I spent one of the most interesting weeks of my life and I learned a lot about religions and politics in the U.S.” she concluded.

Rima Abou Mrad (I 06) is currently pursing her master’s at Wayne State University and was invited to attend the conference as well. She is also a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar and originally from Lebanon. Mrad resides in Michigan where she has given presentations about her home country at Michigan State University. Mrad resides in Michigan and has given presentations about her home country at Michigan State University.

Roy Abdo (I 06) also attended the conference. Abdo, also Lebanese, is attending William Jewel this semester. For more on this, click here.

The conference addressed the evolving role of the United States in the Muslim world and allowed foreign participants to learn about the American voting system.

Participants visited local polls around Kansas City on Election Day to see the election process in the making. They also attended campaign activities and the Election Watch Party hosted by William Jewell.

In addition, various speakers discussed such topics as the “Intersection of Religion and Politics,” “America’s Role in the Muslim World: the Evolving Role of Alliances” and “What is America’s Role.”

 “I really want to thank OIR for providing this opportunity to the foreign participants,” said Director of International Programs Michelle Jeffress (J 95, A 96) said. “I love to see alumni staying in touch and helping each other.”