Since I last wrote in the spring, The Fletcher School has experienced a number of exciting events. In May, we celebrated Commencement, Class Day, and Reunion and heard a stirring speech by Fletcher alumnus Dr. N. Hassan Wirajuda (F’84), the Indonesian Foreign Minister. In June, attendees at Fletcher’s Fifth Annual Talloires Symposium participated in stimulating discussions on the state of the European Union, including speeches by alumni, French Senator Jean-François-Poncet (F’48), and Ambassador to the Court of St. James, Wolfgang Ischinger (F’73).
A new video about the Fletcher community called "The Fletcher Connection” has been produced by the Admissions and Communications Offices. The video portrays stories from students, faculty, alumni, and staff, which reflect the unique characteristics of the school. It is currently available online at: fletcher.tufts.edu/about/connection.shtml. The video will be available as a DVD in November.
Professor Andrew Hess, Senior Director of Development and Alumni relations Roger Milici, and I have recently returned from a trip to Abu Dhabi. Our visit was a chance to further explore a joint venture with the Abu Dhabi education council. Abu Dhabi is seeking to prepare their future leaders for a continually globalizing economy and an increasingly complex world. As a result, they have invited us to consider partnering with them in this endeavor. I will keep you informed of further developments in this exciting opportunity for the school. Our trip went on to include several days in Seoul, South Korea, where we were joined by Tufts’ President Lawrence S. Bacow. This portion of the trip included a series of appointments and a meeting of Fletcher’s Asian Advisory Group.
In September, we welcomed 197 members of the class of 2008, composed mostly of MALD students. Their average age is 27 and 41% are non-American; 53% are female, and 23% are U.S. citizens of color. The top four feeder schools were Harvard, Tufts, Cornell, and Middlebury. The top four areas of interest for entering students are International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, International Organizations, International Security Studies, and Development Economics.
Recent global events confirm that the world needs The Fletcher School more than ever. In this regard, our upcoming comprehensive fundraising campaign will target vitally important resources necessary to perpetuate Fletcher’s mission of preparing leaders with a global perspective. On a related issue, construction associated with our facility renovation plan continued in its final phases during the summer, and everyone looks forward to its completion this winter. We feel very confident that the outcome of this project, while temporarily disruptive to our campus life, will result in a facility worthy of the School’s prestige and accomplishment.
In closing, please know how much I appreciate the continued support you have for The Fletcher School. I look forward to seeing you here on campus and in my travels.
Dean Stephen W. Bosworth
