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COVER STORIES: THE CHALLENGE OF
HUMANITARIAN AID
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Thinking Beyond Boundaries, Acting
Across Borders
EPIIC continues to train future global leaders
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story
Visit the EPIIC web site
Sherman Teichman was teaching political science at Tufts
in 1985 when an international tragedy altered his career path.
On June 24, Arab extremists hijacked TWA Flight 847, murdering
an American on board. The event, coupled with the Iranian seizure
of the U.S. embassy in Tehran, prompted an outpouring of rage
that Teichman, who had operational and analytical experience
with counter-terrorism, found highly polarizing and counterproductive.
“I was disturbed by the visceral and irrational debate
about these events,” recalls Teichman. “The perspectives
were inappropriately Manichean, self-righteous, and morally
obtuse.”
Teichman broadened the discourse, inviting experts ranging from
directors of the CIA and FBI to Islamic religious leaders to
campus to participate in hostage-taking simulations and an international
symposium. The events gained national attention, and the university
asked Teichman to found what became the Education for Public
Inquiry and International Citizenship (EPIIC) program.
Today, as a foundation program of the Institute for Global Leadership,
EPIIC has trained more than 500 students in how to address complex
political dilemmas. Institute director Teichman and associate
director Heather Barry, J88, carry on EPIIC’s mission
to “explore how higher education can produce ethical,
critical thinkers who understand the intricacies of world affairs
and are prepared for active participation.”
EPIIC comprises a yearlong, for-credit, academic colloquium,
a global research and internship program, an international symposium,
professional workshops, an international media forum, a national
high school global issues simulation program, and public service
initiatives.
At its core is a yearlong course on a selected global political
theme; this year the focus is “The United States’
Role in the World.” A broad range of distinguished academics
and practitioners provide instruction, and students define the
issues through classroom presentations and discussions, extensive
readings, and independent research, which culminates with many
pursuing additional research in the field.
EPIIC students remain loyal to the program long after graduation.
Barry notes that EPIIC staff are in contact with at least 80
percent of their graduates, and many former students have given
generously of their time and money to the program, acting as
mentors and advisors as well as helping to fund research trips.
For Teichman, his greatest satisfaction comes from mentoring
and witnessing the growth of students. “It’s satisfying
to know that while contending with what we call ‘conundrum
issues,’ our graduates are more adept and insightful about
these issues than most,” he says. “A sense of incredible
community has developed over these years, and it’s wonderful.”
Teichman delights in the eclectic nature of EPIIC. “It’s
true that EPIIC has a very strong human rights record that we
are very proud of,” says Teichman. “But the bottom
line is that the students who come through here go on to become
neuroscientists, journalists, captains of industry, military
leaders. Regardless of where you’re looking, you’ll
find EPIIC grads, creating new initiatives and demonstrating
leadership.”—Michele Gouveia
In February, several of the alumni featured in this article
will return to campus for “Voices from the Field,”
a five-day workshop sponsored by the president’s office,
as part of the EPIIC symposium. They will present at the symposium,
mentor current students, and, in turn, have the opportunity
to learn from senior people in their fields, from Nobel peace
laureates to high-ranking military leaders. For more information
about “Voices” and the symposium, visit www.tuftsgloballeadership.org.
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