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John Limbert, former ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, and one of the Americans held hostage in 1979 by Iran, will give the keynote address, “U.S.–Iranian Relations: The Long View,” at this year’s Persian Studies banquet at Portland State University, April 9, 2005.

The banquet also celebrates a resurgence of Persian Studies at PSU, where language and literature courses are offered for Arabic, Hebrew, Turkish and Urdu, as well as a wide range of history and cultural classes focused on the Middle East.

“It is a very exciting time for Persian studies here at Portland State,” said John Damis, professor of Political Science and director of the Middle East Studies Center. “After 20 years when we could only offer Persian language courses on alternate years by adjunct faculty, we are adding a tenure-track position in Persian Language and Literature this coming year, allowing us to offer our students the full range of Persian language courses every year.”

The Persian Studies banquet will be held Saturday, April 9, 2005, at 6:30 p.m. in Hoffmann Hall (1833 SW 11th Ave., Portland), and is sponsored by PSU’s Persian Studies Advisory Board, the Middle East Studies Center, and the World Affairs Council of Oregon. The keynote address by John Limbert begins at 8 p.m. Individual tickets to the banquet are $45, with corporate and sponsored tables available. In addition, a limited number of seats for the lecture are available at no cost for members of the community. Reservations are required; call 503-725-4074 to purchase tickets or to reserve a seat for the lecture.

“I am pleased to see Portland State renewing its commitment to Persian studies,” said Mort Anoushirvani, chair of the Persian Studies Advisory Committee and a PSU alum (’78). “Given the current global events, it is paramount that our institutions of higher education provide learning and research opportunities which bring a greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures. The formation of this diverse advisory panel signifies Portland State’s commitment to the program and to working as a partner with the community.”

Background on John Limbert
John Limbert, a senior Foreign Service Officer, began serving as president of the Washington, D.C.-based American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) in September 2003. Prior to this appointment, he was ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (2000-2003). In April 2003, he was one of the first civilian officials to enter Baghdad with the Organization for Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance, where he was responsible for cultural affairs such as restoring the looted Iraqi Museum.

A career Foreign Service Officer since 1973, Ambassador Limbert’s overseas experience includes tours in Algeria, Djibouti, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In 1979, Limbert was one of 66 Americans taken hostage by the Iranians, and held for 14 months before release. From 1981 to 1984 he taught political science at the U.S. Naval Academy, and was a senior fellow at Harvard University’s Center for International Affairs, 1991–92. Ambassador Limbert holds his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. from Harvard University, the last in History and Middle Eastern Studies. He has written numerous articles on Middle Eastern subjects and has authored Iran: At War with History (Westview Press, 1987), and is fluent in Persian, Arabic and French, as well as English.

Background on Portland State University
Portland State University, Oregon's only urban university, is the largest and most diverse in the state system. The University's position in Oregon's economic and cultural center allows for deep community engagement and the creation of partnerships with hundreds of organizations throughout the region — partnerships that give PSU students valuable learning opportunities as they solve real-world problems of business and community. Portland State offers more than 100 undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as graduate certificates and continuing education programs. PSU serves more students and confers more master's degrees annually than any other Oregon university.

Source:
John Damis (503-725-3111)
PSU Middle East Studies Center