Guinea worm has almost disappeared from the face of the earth.  When it happens (soon!), it will be the second such eradication of a deadly disease in modern times (after smallpox).  President Jimmy Carter told us this recently at a talk at Oglethorpe University here in Atlanta.  After a decades' long campaign, the Carter Center's efforts in sub-Saharan Africa are about to pay off in full.  I attended the talk with a CASIE colleague to hear Carter tell about his Center's extensive work in the developing world and its mission to bring peace to peoples in conflict wherever they might be on the globe.

In the final half hour Carter took questions from the students in the audience.  One asked what the young people who had come to hear him could do.  The former president hit that pitch right out of the park.  Heighten your own awareness to the situations of others around you, he said.  And make it your priority to learn all you can about the other who is not like you.   That, he told them, is the surest path to world peace and understanding.

No, it was nothing many of us didn't know and believe already, but it was absolutely inspiring to watch this 86-year-old, still very active humanitarian bring hundreds of college students to their feet in applause out of deep respect for his remarks and for his example to the world.  I hope we never tire of his vital message.

On a personal note, I take this opportunity to thank my CASIE colleagues who have been so very welcoming and kind to me in my tenure as interim executive director of CASIE.  It has been a privilege to share the past 4 months with you working on the noble goals of this wonderful, internationally-minded organization while Suzanna has been out on maternity leave.

Abrazos de Bob Snee