At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Brown University President Ruth J. Simmons and businessman Idan Ofer have announced the establishment of a new, multimillion-dollar scholarship fund designed to educate students from Africa and to encourage them to return to their home countries after graduation. Ofer has pledged more than $5 million to establish the Advancing Africa Scholarship Fund.

Brown University has announced an aggressive plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative is part of a broader plan to lessen the environmental impact of the University’s physical plant and promote environmental awareness on campus.

Renowned Palestinian-Israeli pianist Saleem Abboud Ashkar will visit Brown University Nov. 9-11, 2007. In addition to presenting a piano recital and offering a workshop for Brown students, Abboud Ashkar will participate in a panel discussion focusing on the role of the humanities in bridging cultural differences on an international level.