Windows Onto The World

A Series of Lectures and Panels Events Calendar

Launched in the fall of 1999, the WOW lecture series presents three events each fall and spring semester, focusing on issues of international and multicultural interest. For many, this has become the OIBP's signature event.

WOW's objective is to provide an educational forum for discussion of a full range of international topics. Each event, which begins at noon, is free and features a light lunch followed by the presentation of a speaker or panel and discussion. Speakers have included representatives from businesses and agencies, visiting and local faculty, and students. Attendance averages between 35 and 50 persons, although popular topics have brought larger audiences. Event topics and speakers have represented numerous, diverse countries, including Tunisia, Lithuania, Kurdistan, China, Ukraine, and others.

Badjie Service Grant Program

On March 4, 2010, the College of Business Office of International Business Programs hosted another “Windows onto the World” lecture series.

The featured speaker was Mr. Malick Badjie, Vice President of the Global Client Group at BlackRock, Inc. located in London.

Badjie asked OIBP to help him introduce a new scholarship program to help student launch careers in international business, and the WOW event provided an opportune time for him to do so.

BlackRock Inc., the world’s biggest money manager, recently purchased Barclays Global Investors, making it the world’s biggest manager of bond funds and exchange-traded funds. The purchase of Barclays more than doubled BlackRock’s assets to $3.35 trillion. That’s trillion with a T!

Badjie is responsible for developing and managing relationships with the firm's institutional clients in the Middle East and African regions. When he discussed his experience in international banking with BlackRock, he had the undivided attention of students. They were intrigued by how someone who walked in their shoes as a student at TSU could go so far in such a short time.

Badjie graduated cum laude from TSU in 2003 with a major in Political Science and a minor in International Business. He was active in student organizations such as the Multicultural Friendship Society and B.L.A.C.K. He also took advantage of several internship opportunities while at TSU.

During his presentation at the WOW event, Badjie introduced the Badjie Service Grant Program. This program is essentially a scholarship that will provide the opportunity for TSU students who pursue international business careers to receive financial assistance. Nearly 100 people attended this WOW event, and as an added bonus, they were able to taste traditional West African food prepared by Gateway2Africa. Malick grew up eating "chebu jen", the national dish of that region. He was delighted to share it with TSU students and faculty. Scholarship awards will be available June 2010.

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