BAKER INSTITUTE INAUGURAL CONFERENCE: Powell, Cheney Among Panelists

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by Kate Hallgren

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The Inaugural Annual Conference at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy may not be a real revolution, but it does promise to be revolutionary, or at least interesting. And it will definitely be telecast. Live, next Monday and Tuesday from Stude Concert Hall over Rice TV, students can watch panelists discuss issues relating to three topics in international affairs. These panelists will include General Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Richard Cheney, former prime minister of Japan, former foreign ministers from Japan, Denmark, Germany, France and Russia, other luminaries and a few of their own professors

One hundred and thirty-three international, national and local media will also descend on the campus to cover events.

One effect this will have is to raise Rice's visibility in the international community, said Baker Institute Administrative Coordinator Calvin Preece.

Preece said that preparations for the conference began in August of 1994. He also believes that the discussions at the conference will have an impact on the world.

"The best part is we've invited very outstanding individuals and outstanding individuals have accepted, so I believe the conference will have an impact."

Baker Institute Director Edward Djerejian emphasized the opportunities for learning and teaching from the conference.

"Our basic hope is that students will be exposed to unique dialogue and debate from diverse participants -- statesmen, journalists and academics, who have really made contributions ..."

The institute is looking into putting part of the conference on CD-ROM in a teaching format with commentary from professors to maximize teaching potential, Djerejian said.

But in the meantime, Djerejian said that he hopes many students will be able to attend the conference.

This item appeared in the News section of the November 10, 1995 issue.

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