Near Eastern studies receives grant from federal government

The University's Program in Near Eastern Studies will receive a $318,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Rep Rush Holt (D-N.J.) announced yesterday.

Holt, a member of the House Education Committee who represents New Jersey's 12th district, was notified of the grant in a letter from Assistant Secretary of Education Scott Fleming. According to the letter, the three-year grant — which takes effect in August — is part of the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships Program.

The program provides $15 million in fellowships to aid graduate students in foreign languages or international studies.

"We can certainly point to a number of examples of American ignorance about the Near Eastern region that have resulted in diplomatic and economic failures," Holt said in an interview yesterday. "I would hope that a grant like this would allow more depth in Middle Eastern studies. It's important work to do."

According to a statement from Holt, the University's grant will be used specifically to fund summer and academic-year internships to promote Near Eastern studies education.

"[The purpose of the program] is to make sure that America has a solid pool of individuals who are well-versed in the languages and studies of many foreign countries, mostly for national security and economic reasons," said Steven Maviglio, a spokesman for Holt.

Near Eastern studies chair Andras Hamori said the grant is one of a series of similar grants the department has received. Nevertheless, he added that the news came as a surprise.

"It's a pleasure. One can never say it's expected," he said.

Hamori said that by offering the grant, the Department of Education is recognizing the University as one of the top Near Eastern studies programs in the nation.

He also noted that the University's department has been named as a National Resource Center in Near Eastern studies by the education department. The department received the recognition because it has one of the most complete programs available and offers the most comprehensive resources for its students and faculty, Hamori said.

"More and more, universities are teaching these subjects and the competition has increased stiffly," he said. "I'm delighted that [the department] will continue to flourish because the grant constitutes a major contribution to our expenses."