Prof. Dalai Lama: Exile accepts university role

updated 3:28 p.m. ET Feb. 5, 2007

ATLANTA - The Dalai Lama, exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, has been named a presidential distinguished professor at Emory University, school officials said Monday.

It’s the first university appointment the winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize has accepted, the university said.

The Tibetan leader said in a university statement that he looks forward to offering his services to students and the 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,” he said.

He is expected to deliver his inaugural lecture during an Oct. 20-22 visit to the university, and to participate in a conference on science and spirituality and an interfaith session on religion.

The appointment is open-ended but provides no compensation, said Emory spokeswoman Nancy Seideman.

The Dalai Lama’s role includes providing private teaching sessions with students and faculty during Emory’s study-abroad program in Dharamsala, India, and opportunities for university community members to attend his annual teachings. He also will make periodic visits to Emory, the statement said.

Emory also is creating a fellowship in the Dalai Lama’s name to fund annual scholarships for Tibetan students who attend its undergraduate and graduate schools.

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