Roemer gives first O’Meara lecture

Timothy Roemer delivered the inaugural Patrick O’Meara International Lecture on Wednesday in the Whittenberger Auditorium at the Indiana Memorial Union.

Roemer, a former congressman, U.S. ambassador to India and 9/11 Commission member, spoke of his experience with India and its strength in the 21st century.

The lecture series honors Patrick O’Meara, who is currently the chair of the Center for International Education and Development Assistance at IU.

In previous years, he has served IU through his work as a faculty member in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, director of the African Studies program and dean and vice president for international affairs.

“I’m very honored, and I’m delighted,” O’Meara said. “For many years I’ve been privileged to be involved in the international life of the University.”

Purpose

The lecture series is intended to bring people to the University who have considerable experience with international work, O’Meara said. Roemer fits this criteria.

“I think it’s really an appropriate choice for the inaugural lecture,” he said. “For me, this is an ideal choice.”

President Michael McRobbie said in a press release the purpose of the series corresponds with O’Meara’s career at IU.

“Throughout his long and distinguished career, Patrick O’Meara has worked tirelessly and effectively to support the global mission of Indiana University,” McRobbie said in the release.

“This lecture series, in which distinguished speakers will address critical topics in international affairs, is a fitting tribute to his legacy.”

Frequency

The amount of lectures in the series is at McRobbie’s discretion, O’Meara said.

Importance

The lecture series allows IU students and staff the opportunity to listen to international experts, O’Meara said.  

Roemer’s lecture is important because of India’s growing global presence and IU’s population of Indian faculty and students, he said.

“It’s an opportunity to hear first-hand, in this case, about India, which is a very important part of the world. It’s important because of its great growth, because of its democracy,” O’Meara said.

“It’s also significant because we have a large number of students from India, and we have a very fine India Studies program at IU.”

He also said the lecture series correlates with the vision of Herman B Wells, who strongly believed students should have international encounters.

— Kourtney Liepelt