Clarity Amidst Conflict: A Recap of Ambassador Michael Oren’s Visit
When Ambassador Michael Oren agreed to speak in Jacksonville, little did anyone know the backdrop of his visit would coincide with the current war between Israel and Hamas. The timing of his presentation, therefore, could not have been more palpable. During Tuesday's Global Issues Evening lecture, Ambassador Oren presented on the topic of "Israel and the Middle East: Navigating Complexities." Oren offered a unique perspective on the current conflict between Israel and Hamas and what the future might hold for both Israel and Gaza. Amb. Oren focused his comments on the Israel-Hamas warfare currently playing out around Israel’s
Great Decisions Highlight: Mario Barrozo
Mario Barrozo, a junior at the University of North Florida (UNF), is the epitome of a dedicated, well-rounded and involved student in the community. Though his major is in public health, Mario’s participation in the Great Decisions program in high school became a bridge to connect his interest in healthcare with his interest in broadening his understanding of the world. Mario Barrozo Mario first became involved with the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville in high school through his participation in the Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts' Great Decisions program. Mario credits his Great Decisions teachers Chuck Renz
Unlocking Genius: A Recap of Walter Isaacson’s Captivating Lecture
Are the demons that drive Elon Musk also what it takes to drive innovation and progress? This question was posed prior to Walter Isaacson's lecture at the University of North Florida on October 23. Following Mr. Isaacson's visit, it is safe to say the answer is complicated. Isaacson's visit to Jacksonville came on the heels of the release of his latest biography, Elon Musk. Mr. Isaacson, who has written biographies of Leonardo Da Vinci, Jennifer Doudna, Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, and Steve Jobs, paints a fascinating portrait of Elon Musk’s complex personality and achievements, calling him at times both
Council Announces Marilyn McAfee Scholarship Recipients
Pictured from left to right: Boaz Levy, Cara Addison, and Bethany Castillo. Israel. Italy. Vietnam. On paper, these countries are geographically, politically, and economically worlds apart. But, through the World Affairs Council’s Ambassador Marilyn McAfee Scholarship, each country will now be home to a university student from the First Coast. The Ambassador Marilyn McAfee Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate and graduate students with outstanding academic performance and career aspirations in international business, public policy, foreign affairs, or military service. Named in honor of former Council Chairman Ambassador Marilyn McAfee, the purpose of the scholarship program is to help
Navigating the Chip War: Insights from Chris Miller’s Visit
Fascinated and concerned. Two words that describe how many attendees felt following Chris Miller's compelling presentation. Miller's talk entitled "Chip Wars: How Control Over Semiconductors Will Determine the Future of Computing," highlighted the international implications of semiconductor production and the race between global powers to obtain vital control over these small and yet mighty chips. Miller noted that for both companies and countries the stakes in the chip war are extremely high. While advanced semiconductors are ubiquitous in modern life -- from phones to cars to coffee makers -- the production of these advanced chips is a complex