News in Brief

Spreading democracy

USAID’s reach spans continents.

Andrew S. Natsios, formerly administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, explained why the United States invests in democracy initiatives around the world when he was a guest at a special Soup with Substance lunch on campus. Students filled the room, taking full advantage of the rare opportunity to hear about USAID’s work from the agency’s top official.

USAID administers economic and humanitarian assistance in 110 countries and has funded some important Marquette programs, including the College of Nursing Train the Trainer Program that is building a sustainable health care work force in Africa, and the Les Aspin Center’s Democracy in Africa Program that is educating emerging leaders in Democratic principles in Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Mali and Nigeria.

Natsios’ visit was featured as part of Marquette’s yearlong focus on human rights issues. Since his visit, Natsios has joined the faculty at Georgetown University.