Saint Martin's Fort Lewis extension will host May 8 open house for new program

Wednesday, May 1, 2002

Lacey, Wash. - A May 8 open house will launch a new academic program at the Saint Martin’s College extension campus at Fort Lewis Army Post.

The new program, an interdisciplinary bachelor of arts degree in social studies with a concentration in international relations, will be officially ushered in with a 10 a.m. ceremony at Fort Lewis’ David L. Stone Education Center. Speeches by Lt. Gen. James T. Hill, base commander at Fort Lewis, Saint Martin’s College President David R. Spangler and Vice President for Academic Affairs Jacqueline Johnson will highlight the open house, which continues to noon. In conjunction with the event, a seminar on the Middle East, the Cold War and Asia is scheduled May 8-9 at the education center. The public is welcome.

Johnson says that the new program provides a comprehensive foundation of international cultural and political understanding through coursework in history, political science, geography, social anthropology, psychology, economics, foreign languages and other relevant studies.

“Saint Martin’s is excited about the opportunities this degree program provides for students interested in careers where extensive understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity and international relationships is key,” she said. “International understanding is crucial to success in so many careers now, and many organizations are seeking employees with thorough preparation in these areas.”

Among the career choices are foreign service, diplomacy, special forces, business, development, finance and other occupations with an international clientele, location or focus.

The Saint Martin’s program dovetails seamlessly with a master’s-level program in international relations offered by Troy State University’s extension program at Fort Lewis. The Troy State program includes several concentrations, including one in national security. Classes for both degree programs are offered in a flexible format to accommodate military personnel.

Saint Martin’s College is an independent, Roman Catholic coeducational college offering a full range of baccalaureate and graduate degree programs at its main campus in Lacey and its nearby extension campuses at Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base. About 600 students are enrolled in a variety of programs offered at the college’s two extension campuses. For more information about the new Saint Martin’s program, please contact Cindy Richard, director of extension programs, (253) 584-3533.

Seminars on the Middle East, the Cold War and Asia
David L. Stone Education Center, Fort Lewis

For more information:
May 1, 2002 Jacqueline Johnson
Vice president for academic affairs
360-438-4310 or jjohnson@stmartin.edu

Cindy Richard
Director, Extension Programs
253-584-3533

Holly Harmon, director of communication
Saint Martin’s Office of Communication
360-438-4332 or hharmon@stmartin.edu