Atlanta, GA, USA, 19 October 2007 (By Chris Megerian, The Emory Wheel) - The Dalai Lama arrived at the Ritz-Carlton in Buckhead on Friday, marking the beginning of a weekend celebrating his new association with the University.
With a smile stretching from ear to ear, the Tibetan political and spiritual leader stepped out of his limo and turned to University President James W. Wagner, saying, 'So now I am your professor?'
Wagner laughed, then introduced Provost and Chief Academic Officer Earl Lewis, saying, 'Yes, and this is your boss.'
Wagner, Lewis and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Ben Johnson were on hand to welcome the 1992 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who will be officially installed as a presidential distinguished professor on Monday.
After greeting Buddhist devotees who had been waiting to catch a glimpse of him, the Dalai Lama reviewed the first presentation of a science curriculum designed by Emory faculty specifically for Buddhist monks.
'I am really impressed,' the Dalai Lama said. 'I think the effort from concerned people has created a concrete plan. It is wonderful.'
The meeting, attended by only a small number of top Emory administrators, science faculty, journalists and monks
