Office of Development and Alumni Relations 

Saint Joseph's University plans to expand its program in Asian studies, proposing a new major and creating a faculty chair in Asian studies -thanks to a $2.5 million gift and bequest from Bernadette B. and James J. Nealis III '69.

The Bernadette B. and James J. Nealis III '69 Program in Asian Studies is as an interdisciplinary program within the College of Arts and Sciences and will begin in the 2008-09 academic year, replacing the minor and certificate program currently offered.

Additionally, and as part of its strategic plan, Saint Joseph's will dedicate two new tenure-track faculty positions to the development of the Asian studies program?one coming online in 2008 and the other in 2009.

?This program in Asian studies will propel Saint Joseph's University a step closer to achieving its vision of a comprehensive university with a global focus,? said University President Timothy R. Lannon, S.J. "The development of this major once again reinforces Saint Joseph's commitment to accomplishing even more?to becoming a university of higher academic stature, true to the marvelous Jesuit/Catholic mission of educating men and women to lead lives of purpose."

In the 21st century - an age of constant information and instant communication - students who understand the dynamics of global economic and intercultural relations will have a distinct advantage in securing good jobs, according to Mr. Nealis, who recently retired as the executive vice president for human resources at Lafarge North America in Virginia.

"Those with knowledge of world history, languages, global health, and international affairs will be able to make informed decisions regarding domestic issues influenced by global circumstances," he said. "By the same token, with an entire generation lacking in this knowledge, the United States is in danger of putting itself at a competitive disadvantage."

Mr. Nealis believes that increased diversity in the nation's classrooms, workplaces, and communities, including new immigrants from many different parts of Asia, requires greater understanding of its myriad cultures and histories. These new realities demonstrate that future workers seeking careers in business, government, health care, law enforcement, and a wide variety of other jobs will all require global knowledge and skills.

Additionally, the Saint Joseph's recruiting corridor from Boston, Mass., to Washington, D.C., is situated within easy distance of many of the world?s most prominent banking, financing, academic, and political and diplomatic centers. 

"University graduates with a foundation in the rich historical and cultural heritage of the countries of Asia, as well as their growing importance in world affairs and their critical relationship to the national interests of the United States, will certainly have an advantage in competing for jobs on the global stage," said Brice Wachterhauser, Ph.D., University provost. 

Annual disbursements from the endowment fund created by this program will provide the following support for SJU faculty and students:

Travel and research grants, assisting students to pursue independent research or study.

Faculty development and research grants, including awards to cover costs for travel to Asia, to support ongoing research efforts; to support other faculty travel/research costs during summer months; and to train or retrain existing faculty members interested in developing Asian study courses?expanding the number of Asian studies faculty members and courses available in the Asian studies program.

Provide or support campus programs bringing scholars with expertise in the field to speak.

Acquire library acquisitions focusing on fields of interest. 

Develop and support Jesuit Heritage Encounters/Service-Learning programs related to Asian studies, such as study tours for faculty, staff and students focusing on Jesuit history sites in Asia, or to other Asian locations with particular ties to Jesuit heritage.

In addition to developing the Asian studies program, $1.5 million of the Nealis gift, through a bequest, will support the creation of the Bernadette B. and James J. Nealis III '69 Faculty Chair in Asian Studies.

The individual appointed to this Chair will be an accomplished teacher and scholar in the arts and sciences, with recognized expertise in Asian studies, who will teach classes, offer public lectures, lead faculty seminars, and engage students, faculty, administration, staff and other interested constituents to better understand and appreciate topics relevant to Asian studies.