Global Minnesota

Global Conversations: The United Nations Post-2015
2016-09-14 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the United Nations and the halfway point in its global effort to eradicate poverty, hunger, and discrimination. But as the UN’s 193 member states look back at the success of the millennium development goals, they also must assess their needs for its sustainable development goals—a new series of benchmarks, which are set to expire in 2030. With the appointment of the ninth Secretary-General in the near future as well, the next U.S. President is bound to have quite a lot on his or her plate going into office.
Michael Eaton, Executive Director of NCCA-NMUN (National Collegiate Conference Association – National Model United Nations) and Truman scholar, will lead a discussion on how the new sustainable development goals will shape the future of the UN and its member states.
Michael Eaton has served as Executive Director of NCCA-NMUN since 2004 and has helped expand National Model UN programming to include more than 6,000 college participants annually. Prior to his current position, he was the Director of Enrollment Services and Marketing for the Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs. Honors include being named a Truman Scholar. Mr. Eaton has served as an adjunct faculty member at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, a Trustee of the Center for UN Reform Education and board member and past-President of the United Nations Association of Minnesota. He is a current member of the National Council of UNA-USA and is pursuing a doctorate in international education at the University of Minnesota. Michael has a bachelor’s degree in economics, summa cum laude, from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and a master’s degree in nonprofit management and the scholar award from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN.
Produced in partnership with the Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library and United Nations Association Harold E. Stassen Division in Minnesota.

Benefits of the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program
2016-08-19 08:00 - 09:30 | Fredrikson & Byron, U.S. Bank Plaza, 200 South 6th St. #4000, Minneapolis, 55402
Join the conversation on the benefits of the Exchange Visitor Program, sponsored by Global Minnesota and the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Private Sector Exchange.
Hosted by Fredrikson & Byron, this opportunity will explore how your organization can engage with, and benefit from, the J-1 Visa. There are 13 categories of J-1 Visa that allow the private-sector to provide foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in educational and cultural programs in the U.S. and then return home.
Exchange visitors may study, teach, conduct research, share their specialized skills, or receive on-the-job training for periods ranging from a few weeks to several years. For example, the Trainee category is for professionals with a degree, professional certificate, or relevant work experience to receive training in U.S. business practices through a structured and guided work-based program. The J-1 Visa also provides opportunities for foreign nationals to experience internships, research scholars, industry specialists, and summer temporary employees.
Subject-matter experts and host organizations will provide an overview of how our community can benefit from this versatile exchange visa.
J-1 Visa Fact Sheet
Panelists

Robert Aronson, Fredrikson & Byron, Immigration Attorney
Lynette Evans-Tiernan, U.S. Department of State, Public Affairs Officer
Jennifer Nupp, U.S. Department of State, Senior Policy Analyst
Private Sector Exchange Sponsor

Registration includes a light breakfast. This event is produced in conjunction with our Peacebuilding Approaches to Countering Extremism Summit on August 18.
Registration is now closed; walk-ins welcome.

Summit: Peacebuilding Approaches to Countering Extremism
2016-08-18 07:30 - 17:00 | Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, 301 19th Ave. S, Minneapolis, 55454
As societies around the world face the growing challenge of extremism, Minnesota has found itself at the center of this critical issue. What lessons can be drawn from our community’s struggles to preserve both public safety and civil rights, address root causes of extremism without stigmatizing entire communities, and propose positive, community-based alternatives to the extremist message? And how can these lessons be applied to the global community? Join us as we answer these questions and more, and examine the roles education, communication, and action play in battling extremism.
In partnership with the U.S. Department of State and Global Ties U.S., this summit seeks to validate and encourage community partnerships, energize efforts to effectively and positively engage young people, and help educate the broader community and dispel common fears and misconceptions. And drawing on global case studies, we’ll look at different approaches to challenging this borderless issue.
New Member Special
Become a Global Minnesota member for $125* and receive a basic Global Minnesota membership, one summit registration, and VIP seating with speakers and panelists at the summit luncheon during Dr. Hedieh Mirahmadi’s, President of the World Organization for Resource Development and Education, presentation. Register below for this special offer.
Summit Details
Get the latest information on featured speakers, breakout sessions, and travel logistics.
Registration includes continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and an hors d’oeuvres networking reception following the summit. This summit is presented in partnership with Global Ties U.S., the U.S. Department of State, and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
*Memberships are tax deductible. Of your $125, $75 is deductible based on goods received.
Cosponsors

Online registration is now closed. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list to attend the summit, please call 612.625.1662.

Olympics on Tap
2016-08-08 17:30 - 19:30 | Surly Brewing Co., 520 Malcolm Ave. SE, Minneapolis, 55414
What do Brazil, badminton, and brews have in common? They all will make an appearance at our young professionals event at Surly Brewing Co.
Try your hand at Olympic-themed trivia, network with others interested in what’s happening in the world, and enjoy a pint on us. Build a team with friends and colleagues or join one that evening. Registration includes one free pint of beer or specialty soda and appetizers.
This is a specially designated event. Members with a voucher can attend for free. Vouchers must be presented at the event. To register using a voucher, please call 612.625.1662.

Somalis in Minnesota: Enriching Our Culture, Economy, and Communities
2016-07-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
It’s estimated that more than 60,000 Somalis live in Minnesota – the most of any state in the U.S. And since their arrival in 1993, Somali immigrants have become an integral thread in the tapestry of Minnesota life. In partnership with the African Development Center, Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, Isuroon, Ka Joog, and The Somali Museum of Minnesota, we’ll take a look at the history and culture of Somalis in Minnesota, as well as the economic, political, and cultural contributions they make to our state.
Ahmed Ismail Yusuf, author of “Somalis in Minnesota,” will guide us through the story of the state’s most recent immigrant group. Following his presentation, a panel discussion will explore Somali success in education, health care, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, as well as ongoing challenges faced by these new Minnesotans.

Culture Through Cuisine: Gastrodiplomacy
2016-07-26 17:30 - 20:00 | Heartland Restaurant, 289 5th St. E, St. Paul, MN, 55101, United States
Chef Lenny Russo of Heartland Restaurant in St. Paul has earned the title Culinary Ambassador – a new kind of diplomat who utilizes food as a tool to foster cultural understanding and promote better relations between nations. At a special Culture Through Cuisine, we’ll explore this concept of “gastrodiplomacy” and the one language everyone can speak: food. Over an expertly curated meal that highlights Heartland Restaurant’s sustainable farm-to-table cuisine, award-winning chef, James Beard Award semifinalist, and member of the U.S. Department of State American Chef Corps, Lenny Russo will discuss the role culinary engagement plays in aiding America’s formal and public diplomacy efforts.
Chef Russo has more than 38 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Along with his wife and partner, he opened the original Heartland in 2002. Heartland has received the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence from 2003 to 2015. From 2008 to 2015, Chef Russo was named a James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest. In 2013, he was named to the prestigious U.S. Department of State American Chef Corps. As part of that diplomatic mission, Chef Russo spent two and half weeks in Slovenia meeting with farmers, chefs, artisans, and winemakers, and spoke at the opening of the Slovenian Consulate in Minnesota. Awards both locally and nationally include: Best Restaurant 2006-2009, Best Chef St. Paul, 2007-2009, and Top 100 Restaurants in the World 2008.
Book Giveaway: Global Minnesota members who register will be entered into a drawing for a free signed copy of Chef Lenny Russo’s latest cookbook, “Heartland: Farm-Forward Dishes from the Great Midwest.” Must attend to win.
Want to use a voucher? To register with a voucher, please call us at 612.625.1662. Only certain Global Minnesota vouchers are valid for $10 off a Culture Through Cuisine program. Check your vouchers to verify. Two vouchers may be used at one program for a $20 discount. You must bring voucher(s) to the event to redeem.

Global Conversations: The Rise of ISIS
2016-07-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
Born out of an umbrella organization of al-Qaeda in Iraq, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) burst onto the international stage after it conquered Fallujah in December 2013. Since then, the group has seized control of a number of critical strongholds in both countries and declared itself a caliphate. Still, the question remains: what is ISIS, and what danger does it present to today’s global community?

Molly Hayes, formerly with the U.S. Department of State, will lead a discussion on these questions and more.
Molly Hayes worked for the U.S. Department of State as an advisor on the Middle East, and North Africa, with an emphasis on counterterrorism and human rights issues. She served as the State Department’s counterterrorism advisor for East Africa; desk officer for Kenya, Morocco, Western Sahara, Libya, and Tunisia; and assistant to the Coordinator for Counterterrorism. She also served as deputy coordinator of the State Department’s Egypt Task Force during the 2011 Arab Spring. Molly holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Arabic from the University of Notre Dame and will pursue a mid-career policy degree at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs as a Thomas H. Swain Fellow.
Global Conversations is brought to you in partnership with the Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library.

Global Social with International Visitors
2016-06-20 17:30 - 19:30 | University Club – Saint Paul, 420 Summit Ave., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
For members and their guests only.
This month, Global Minnesota welcomes several groups of leading international visitors from more than 20 countries who will visit Minnesota to examine:

Human and civil rights in the LGBT community with a focus on social and cultural approaches to gender and sexual orientation identities, legislative initiatives, equal access opportunities
U.S. foreign policy with a focus on state-level foreign policy, cyber security, National Guard, energy security
International crime issues with a focus on assistance to victims of crime, forensic science and evidence processing, the U.S. approach to incarceration, emergency management planning

Countries represented include: Bangladesh, Croatia, Ghana, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Portugal, Sweden, Taiwan, Uganda, and the United Kingdom.
Be part of this exclusive event for Global Minnesota members and their guests to meet these professionals and learn about their cultures, countries, and professional work…in an informal social setting. The evening includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages, and a cash bar.
Global Socials are made possible by a generous gift in honor of Katherine W. Merriam.

Celebration of Korea 2016 Gala
2016-06-11 17:30 - 21:30 | Orono High School Parking Lots, 795 Old Crystal Bay Road North, Orono, 55356
Due to special circumstances, the Celebration of Korea Gala will begin later than originally scheduled. The new start time is 5:30 pm, with shuttle service beginning at 5:00 pm. Please contact Global Minnesota if you have questions.
Fine Korean cuisine. Authentic Korean entertainment. Auction items that will take you around the world. These are all reasons why you won’t want to miss this year’s outdoor summer gala.
Join us as we travel east to celebrate the Republic of Korea (South Korea). This unique cultural and fundraising event draws more than 300 of Global Minnesota’s well-traveled supporters and raises needed funds for ongoing educational and cultural programs designed to help Minnesotans live, work, and lead globally.
Event details

Various ticket and sponsorship packages are available.
Held at a private residence in the West Metro – rain or shine
Parking is available at the Orono Schools parking lots – 795 Old Crystal Bay Road North, Orono/Long Lake, MN 55356
Shuttles will be available throughout the evening to drive guests to and from the event space.
Semiformal attire is suggested. The gala is held on a lawn, so please bear this in mind when selecting your footwear.

Should severe weather be predicted, stay tuned to your email and Global Minnesota’s website for weather-related updates.

To receive a full refund, you must cancel your registration by June 1, 2016. Refunds will be issued in the form of a check or credit card account credit. To cancel your registration and request a refund, please call us at 612.625.1662.

Global Conversations: Foreign Policy in an Election Year
2016-05-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
Registration is closed. Walk-ins welcome.
This year’s race for the White House is proving anything is possible. Anything. And voters are learning more about where candidates stand on important issues, including the international role of the U.S. With foreign policy rhetoric as unique as the presidential hopefuls themselves, the remaining months leading up to the 2016 election are critical to defining the U.S.’ global role and persona.
Tom Hanson, former U.S. Foreign Service Officer and Diplomat in Residence at the University of Minnesota – Duluth, will discuss the 5 key foreign policy challenges facing the candidates and what they mean for the U.S.
Global Conversations is brought to you in partnership with the Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library.

Culture Through Cuisine: South Korea
2016-05-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Midtown Global Market – The Rabbit Hole, 920 E Lake St., Suite 101 , Minneapolis, 55407
Known for its kimchi fried rice and creative cocktails in a funky setting, the Rabbit Hole is shaping up to be the hottest Korean-fusion restaurant the Twin Cities has seen in years. But fried dumplings with whipped goat cheese and pan-seared udon noodles with vegetables are not the only things on the menu. With strong ties to his Korean heritage, owner and head chef Thomas Kim serves up dishes inspired by the story of his life.
Join us for a truly unique culinary adventure as Chef Kim shares how he bridges culture with cuisine and ended up going down the Rabbit Hole.
Menu

Braised bitter greens fried dumplings with whipped goat cheese and pomegranate
Kimchi poutine with pork curry gravy, caramelized onion, Parmesan, cheddar, soft poached egg, and chipotle aioli
Sauteed vegetables with tofu, pickled vegetables, rice, soft poached egg, and BB sauce
Korean double fried chicken wings with gochu butter
Korean fried spare ribs in a coconut curry sauce

Born and raised in L.A., Thomas Kim started cooking at a very young age, which resulted in 11 years of culinary experience as an executive chef and manager of restaurants with more than $5 million in annual sales. He has worked in several fine-dining establishments and with notable culinary figures such as Roy Yamaguchi (James Beard winner), Nobu Matsuhisa (James Beard winner), Jin Suzuki (Michelin Recognized Chef – Hachi Ju Hachi).
Price includes dinner, nonalcoholic beverages, tax, and gratuity.

Hangeul Festival: A New Way of Exploring Korea
2016-04-24 13:30 - 16:00 | Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, 301 19th Ave. S, Minneapolis, 55454
Online registration is now closed. Walks-ins are welcome.
Fun event for all ages! Both a living art and the Korean alphabet, Hangeul is a delicate dance between lines and spaces transformed to build designs that convey the profound range of human expression. Much more than just a written alphabet, Hangeul connects the horizons of poetry and visual art.
Unfold your senses in the movement of the brush and patterns of ink, and explore Korean art and culture in a completely new light. Join us for a unique hands-on Korean Hangeul calligraphy demonstration with master Korean calligraphist Byung-chul Park. A great event for the entire family, the afternoon includes a calligraphy workshop using special brushes on Hanji, Korean paper; the opportunity to create your own design with guidance from Park; and authentic Korean food.
Through his poetic art, Park illuminates how a traditional language can become contemporary art with global relevance. Recognized around the world, his work is featured at Gwanghwamun, the largest gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.
Presented in partnership with All That Story America.

Global Conversations: The Future of Kurdistan
2016-04-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
Kurdistan, a region made up of parts of Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria, is home to one of the largest ethnic groups in West Asia: the Kurds. Now, most in the West know them for the small, oil-rich autonomous region in northern Iraq called Iraqi Kurdistan — one of the U.S.’ closest allies in the Middle East, and a bulwark against the expansion of the so-called Islamic State.
Newzad Brifki, Founder and Director of the Kurdish Community of America, will lead a discussion on what the future of Iraqi Kurdistan means for Kurds in the surrounding region.
Global Conversations is brought to you in partnership with the Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library.

The Korea Connection with Ambassador Ahn
2016-04-08 06:30 - 08:30 | Windows on Minnesota – IDS Center, 80 S 8th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
Marked by significant points in world history, the Republic of Korea’s (South Korea) relationship with the U.S. has evolved into a comprehensive strategic alliance that has provided tangible benefits for both nations. In the past decade alone, South Korea has been described as one of America’s closest allies and greatest friends. And strong cultural, economic, and political ties continue to play major roles in developing bilateral initiatives and setting the framework for future development.
Today, South Korea has the 13th largest economy in the world and is Minnesota’s 7th largest export market. More than two million ethnic Koreans live in the U.S., and here in Minnesota approximately 15,000 Koreans have made our state their home – including 1,300 students.
As part of MIC’s 2016 focus on South Korea, Ahn Ho-Young Ambassador of the Republic of Korea is visiting Minnesota and will speak about the historic relationship between our nations and South Korea’s unique tie to Minnesota. Ahn Ho-Young’s impressive resume includes several diplomatic positions across India, Switzerland, France, and Belgium and in the classrooms of Seoul University where he taught law and diplomacy. Prior to his current post, Ambassador Ahn was First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Registration

Looking Past the Headlines To See Business Opportunities in South Korea
2016-04-05 07:30 - 10:00 | Dorsey & Whitney LLP, 50 South Sixth St., Suite 1500, Minneapolis, 55402
South Korea has demonstrated impressive economic expansion over the past 50 years, becoming an export powerhouse and one of the world’s wealthiest nations. Although its economic outlook remains positive, 2016 presents some challenges for South Korea, mainly in the form of export competition and geopolitical risk from North Korea.
Please join us at our upcoming International Roundtable program on South Korea for a lively and candid discussion on a variety of topics including legal and tax matters, political climate, investment opportunities, trade, labor, and dispute resolution.
Keynote Speaker
Evan Ramstad, Deputy Editor, Star Tribune
Panelists
Stephan Huh, Panelist Chairman and CEO, PDI Design Group
Alex Koo, Tax Senior Manager, KPMG LLP
Sarena Lin, President and Business Unit Leader, Cargill
Steve Nelson, Partner, Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Michael Nilan, General Manager, Asia-Pacific, Microbiologics, Inc.
Presented in partnership with Dorsey & Whitney and KPMG.

Register Now

Global Social with International Women of Courage
2016-04-04 17:30 - 19:30 | Minneapolis Club, 729 2nd Ave. S, Minneapolis, 55402
Global Minnesota is proud to host the following two recipients of this year’s U.S. Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award.

Yezidi activist and gynecologist, Dr. Nagham Nawzat Hasan from Iraq, has dedicated her career to promoting equality for women, combating gender-based violence, and providing psychological support to survivors. Since the 2014 takeover of the city of Sinjar by Da’esh, resulting in the massacre of thousands of Yezidi men and the enslavement of Yezidi women, Dr. Hasan has focused her efforts on rescuing and assisting Yezidi girls traumatized by Da’esh. Responding to the humanitarian crisis, Dr. Hasan was one of the first physicians to provide psychological counseling and health screenings to freed and escaped girls. Today, she regularly visits Internally Displaced Persons camps with large Yezidi populations to conduct outreach and encourage parents to allow their daughters to visit her clinic for basic health care and psychosocial support.
Minister of Legal Affairs, Dr. Nihal Naj Ali Al-Awlaqi from Yemen, has served as Yemen’s Minister of Legal Affairs since her appointment in January 2016. She also is a member of the Republic of Yemen Government’s delegation to the peace talks and is a lawyer by training. Previously, she was a member of the Constitutional Drafting Committee where she worked to ensure that women’s rights and interests were integrated into a new draft constitution, and advocated for greater access to education for Yemen’s young people. Dr. Al-Awlaqi also served as one of the key women’s representatives in the National Dialogue Conference and has worked as a legal advisor to the Women’s Center for Training at the University of Aden. During one of the most challenging times in Yemen’s history, Dr. Al-Awlaqi serves as a unifying voice for peace, human rights and women’s rights and a more democratic future for her country.

Join us for the opportunity to meet these extraordinary women and learn about the change they are implementing across the globe.
Established in 2007, the annual U.S. Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award honors women around the globe who have exemplified exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human rights, women’s equality, and social progress, often at great personal risk. This is the only Department of State award that pays tribute to emerging women leaders worldwide.
This event is made possible by a generous gift in honor of Katherine W. Merriam.
Photo credit: U.S. Department of State

Cooking with Kimchi
2016-03-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Kitchen in the Market – Midtown Global Market, 920 East Lake St. #107, Minneapolis, 55407, United States
A staple of Korean cuisine, kimchi is seen as a traditional and cultural necessity that is eaten at nearly every meal. A special technique and the right amount of seasoning are behind the unique flavor of this vegetable that excites nearly every sense. Commonly served as a side dish, kimchi also adds spice and a little something extra to Korean soups and stews or can be enjoyed with rice wrapped in dried seaweed crisps.
Join us for a special evening with one of the best Korean chefs in town, Thomas Kim, owner of Rabbit Hole in Minneapolis. Chef Kim will lead a hands-on kimchi cooking demonstration that includes take-home kimchi, light appetizers, and wine!* Come and learn from the best as Chef Kim bestows his culinary knowledge and bridges cultures with food.
Born and raised in L.A., Thomas Kim started cooking at a very young age, which resulted in a few home kitchen fires, as well as 11 years of culinary experience as an executive chef and manager of restaurants with more than $5 million in annual sales. He worked his way up and through all stations of a restaurant from Front of House to Back of House. He has worked in several fine-dining establishments and with notable culinary figures such as Roy Yamaguchi (James Beard winner), Nobu Matsuhisa (James Beard winner), Jin Suzuki (Michelin Recognized Chef – Hachi Ju Hachi).
*Price includes one glass of wine per person. Additional glasses of wine can be purchased.
*If registering for membership price – must present Global Minnesota member vouchers at check-in.

The Art of Korea: Mia Gallery Tour
2016-03-16 05:00 - 07:00 | Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis, 55404, United States
Members-only event
Not a Member of Global Minnesota? Join Today!
Among the top five collections in the U.S., the Korean art exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Art features thousands of pieces ranging from ancient to contemporary. The art is showcased both chronologically and by medium, highlighting the history of not only the objects themselves but also of a collected process of artistic creation.
Unique and new to the exhibit are pieces from St. Paul-native Mary Griggs Burke, who bequeathed her vast collection to Mia and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2015. Mia highlights the breadth of this gift by featuring a variety of stunning pieces, including a luminous celadon Korean maebyong vessel from the 1100s inlaid with a pattern of a crane amid clouds.
Join us for a private, docent-led tour of the exhibit and experience the beauty behind Korean art. Dr. Aaron Rio, Andrew W. Mellon Assistant Curator of Japanese and Korean Art at Mia will give a special introduction.
This private tour will include:

A continental breakfast
Introduction by Dr. Aaron Rio, Assistant Curator
Docent-led tour of the Korean Galleries in the Mary Griggs Burke Collection

Space is Limited. Advance Registration is required.
Photo courtesy of the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Global Conversations: Migration
2016-03-09 11:30 - 13:30 | Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
As a record number of migrants cross the Mediterranean Sea, seeking refuge in Europe, the continent is struggling to come up with an adequate response. Although Europe’s refugees are largely fleeing conflicts in Syria, Iraq and parts of Africa, their struggle is hardly unique. Today, with the number of displaced people at an all-time high, a number of world powers find themselves facing a difficult question: how can they balance border security with humanitarian concerns? More importantly, what can they do to resolve these crises so as to limit the number of displaced persons?
Join us for an important conversation on this timely topic, with Dr. Bruce Corrie, Associate Vice President for University Relations and International Programs, and Professor of Economics at Concordia University.
Longtime Concordia University faculty member, Dr. Corrie is well known in the community for his work on the economic contributions of immigrants and minorities and his research has been featured in the national and local media. He has served on the board of several national, state and local public and nonprofit boards and has helped develop foreign study programs in India, China, and Mexico.
Dr. Corrie’s travels have taken him to 25 countries and five continents. He has a doctorate in economics from the University of Notre Dame.

Culture Through Cuisine: Kurdistan
2016-02-16 12:00 - 14:00 | Babani’s, 544 St. Peter St., St. Paul, MN, 55402, United States
Enjoy a sampling of traditional Kurdish fare and hear about the deep culture and history of one of the largest ethnic groups in West Asia, the Kurds, at the next Culture Through Cuisine at Babani’s in St. Paul.
The first Kurdish restaurant to open in the U.S., family-owned Babani’s serves up dishes representing the cuisine of Iraqi Kurdistan.
Owner and chef, Rodwan Nakshabandi, will speak about the blend of culture and cuisine of his native Kurdistan. Join us for a delicious evening that will include a diverse menu:

Naska nan na paneer (Kurdish bread and cheese platter)
Niskena (lentil soup)
Dowjic (chicken yogurt soup)
Kubay sawar / kubay brinj (beef dumpling)
Chicken tawa
Vegetarian biryani
Baklava
Kurdish Tea

Cost Includes: dinner, nonalcoholic beverages, tax, and gratuity.
Advance registration required.

Global Conversations: The Koreas
2016-02-10 11:30 - 13:30 | Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
At the end of World War II, the northern half of the Korean peninsula was occupied by the Soviet Union, the southern by the United States. Today, the North is underdeveloped, impoverished, and ruled by a corrupt, authoritarian government, while the South has advanced rapidly to become one of the world’s most developed countries.
Join us for the first Global Conversations of 2016, with Dr. Hangtae Cho, Director of Language Instruction and Korean Senior Lecturer at the University of Minnesota, as we explore the Koreas and the possibility of and even desire for reunification.
