The Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center was established in 1993 to serve as a focal point for the University’s many and varied international activities and interests. Since that time the Bunche Center has developed myriad programs for students/faculty to deepen their interest and knowledge of global issues and to expand opportunities for our students to live and learn abroad.
Senior leadership at the University recently recommitted to strengthening the Ralph Bunche Center and hired a new Deputy Director who is in the process of reenergizing the activities of the Center. The main activities of the Center include administration of the Charles B. Rangel and the Donald M. Payne Fellowships, efforts to diversify the foreign services of the US Department of State and the US Agency for International Development, respectively. The Bunche Center is also home to the Study Abroad office which sends Howard students on a variety of programs around the world throughout the year. In addition to these programs, the Bunche Center works to convene a variety of speakers who present on pertinent global issues.
Activities/Initiatives
This year the Center has chosen Cuba: Beyond the Headlines as the theme for the academic year. We launched the series with a presentation from the new Cuban Ambassador, Jose Cabanas and we will continue the series in the spring with presentations on a variety of subjects pertaining to Cuba including Race, Women, and Sustainable Tourism, etc. We partnered with Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) to host an International Affairs Career Expo which saw the Center’s conference room at capacity. We are partnering with student organizations to host events and to promote study abroad. We are in the process of creating a blog/newsletter and establishing our social media presence. Spring semester will see the creation of the Bunche Brigade which will be comprised of a special group of students committed to internationalism in all its forms. Students who have not studied abroad can volunteer at our events and activities. Students who have returned from abroad will serve as peer advisors to students who are considering studying abroad. Our goal is to at least double the number of students going abroad in the next year.
Giving Opportunities
Fundraising priorities include:
- Global Education Fund-to assist students with passport/visa fees and plane tickets for study abroad when needed.
- Building Upgrades- A bold vision of what the Bunche Center can and should be includes the construction of a third floor and expanded space. Space would be used for more meeting rooms, additional office space with the expectation of increased programming that will come out of the Bunche Center, and designated space for promoting study abroad. With a more streamlined approach to international programs throughout the university the Bunche Center will need to have adequate space to fulfill the international needs of students, faculty and staff.
- Naming Opportunities:
- 1st Floor Conference Room
- 2nd Floor Conference Room
- Study Abroad Space
- Global Education Fund