An Announcement

"The Dalai Lama has been named a presidential distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta. It is the first time he has accepted a university appointment. He will deliver his inaugural lecture during an Oct. 20-22 visit where he will participate in a conference on science and spirituality, and an interfaith session on religion as a source of conflict and a resource for peace building.

"'I look forward to offering my services to the Emory students and community. I firmly believe that education is an indispensable tool for the flourishing of human well-being and the creation of a just and peaceful society, and I am delighted to make a small contribution in this regard through this appointment,'" the Dalai Lama said in a statement.

"A Nobel Peace Laureate and leader of the Tibetan exile community, the Dalai Lama will continue to provide private teaching sessions with students and faculty during Emory's study-abroad program in Dharamsala, as well as provide opportunities for university community members to attend his annual teachings. He also visit Emory to participate in programs. Emory will establish a fellowship in the Dalai Lama's name to fund annual scholarships for Tibetan students attending Emory undergraduate and graduate schools.

"The Dalai Lama also is scheduled to make public remarks Oct. 22 at Centennial Olympic Park."

Given that the Dalai Lama has accepted a University post here in Atlanta and that Rep. Hank Johnson, a practicing Buddhist, is from Georgia's 4th Congressional District, it kind of makes you re-think your old stereotypes of Bible-Belt Georgia, doesn't it?