21 Countries Come Together at USD for the Hansen Summer Institute on Leadership and International Cooperation

SAN DIEGO — The Hansen Summer Institute within The Nonprofit Institute at the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES), brings together 25 university fellows representing countries like Russia, Ukraine, Venezuela, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Rwanda and others.

The three-week-long institute which wraps up this week, sharpens the participants’ leadership skills, builds international connections, and addresses the current humanitarian and political crisis that many of the participating countries face. Students bring with them personal stories of trauma and hope experienced in their communities — opening a dialogue for possible solutions and change through their respective political systems.

During the program the students pay a visit to the border and interact with local officials, like Congresswoman Susan Davis.

What:             Visit with Congresswoman Susan Davis                   

When:             Friday, July 19 at 10:00am                                                      

Where:           2700 Adams Avenue, Suite 102, San Diego, CA

“In a time when we see 1 million percent inflation in Venezuela, 1 million Hong Kongers protesting in the streets, India and Pakistan almost going to war over a recent terrorist incident, the Hansen Summer Institute brings young people together from these and other conflict zones to learn diplomacy,” says Ron Bee, Managing Director.

Dr. Nicholas Ladany, Dean of SOLES says, “it is an honor to have the Hansen Summer Institute housed within SOLES.  Having this diverse group of individuals from around the world who came to USD to learn together, build relationships, overcome conflict, and create future allies, is powerful and meaningful, and typifies what we hope to accomplish in SOLES.”

The Hansen Institute runs through Saturday, July 20. This fellowship is funded by the San Diego-based Fred J. Hansen Foundation.

About the University of San Diego

Strengthened by the Catholic intellectual tradition, we confront humanity’s challenges by fostering peace, working for justice and leading with love. With more than 8,000 students from 75 countries and 44 states, USD is the youngest independent institution on the U.S. News & World Report list of top 100 universities in the United States. USD’s eight academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Knauss School of Business, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the School of Law, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and the Division of Professional and Continuing Education. In 2021, USD was named a “Laudato Si’ University” by the Vatican with a seven-year commitment to address humanity’s urgent challenges by working together to take care of our common home.