General Colin L. Powell Featured at Inaugural Event of Global Institute at LIU

Moderated by Former Congressman Steve Israel, Chairman of the Global Institute at LIU

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Mar 03, 2017, 15:50 ET

BROOKVILLE, N.Y., March 3, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Global Institute at Long Island University (LIU) hosted its first event Thursday night, featuring General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.). Introduced by the Institute's Chairman, former Congressman Steve Israel, Powell discussed his commitment to youth education programs throughout the nation, as well as his service as a four-star General in the United States Army and as the 65^th Secretary of State (2001-2005).

General Colin L. Powell and Steve Israel, Chairman of the Global Institute at Long Island University and former U.S. Congressman, discuss international relations at the Global Institute's inaugural event on March 2, 2017 at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post.

"With the launch of this Global Institute, LIU will become a real leader in global affairs," said Gen. Powell. "The Institute will bring world leaders to the region, introduce new brands of strategic thinking and problem solving, and assist decision makers here in New York in deepening their understanding of international relations."

"I can't think of a better person to kick off the Global Institute at LIU than an American hero, General Colin Powell," said Steve Israel, Chairman of the Global Institute at LIU. "Having a living legend as our inaugural guest sets the bar high, and we are looking forward to bringing in some of the brightest, boldest and most forward-thinking leaders – both domestic and international – in order to increase Long Island University's profile as a leader in national security and global affairs."

The 25-minute informal question and answer session, which included questions from members of the audience, addressed such topics as General Powell's service to the Army during the Gulf War, how he handled troubled diplomatic relationships as Secretary of State, and the separation of church and state. Powell also had an opportunity to share his insight on the recent presidential election, President Trump's budget proposal and the administration's alleged ties to Russia, as well as how the U.S. and its allies can most effectively fight ISIS. Overall, Powell stressed the importance of diplomacy coupled with strength, emphasizing that building relationships and trust with other nations must play a vital role in American foreign policy.

The crowd of more than 500 people-- which included LIU students and faculty, students from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and members of the public – gave the General three standing ovations.

"Leaders like General Powell can help guide our University to expand opportunities for study and research and challenge our students to become the next set of visionary leaders," said Kimberly R. Cline, President of Long Island University. "The philosophy of innovation and entrepreneurial thinking is woven into LIU's history, and our new Global Institute will help us to carry that tradition to the forefront of world affairs in the 21^st Century."

The Global Institute at LIU will host other prominent leaders throughout the year, such as President Bill Clinton, General (Ret.) David Petraeus, and former CIA Director and Trump Presidential Transition Team member, Jim Woolsey.

About Long Island University

LIU is one of the nation's largest private universities. Since 1926, LIU has provided high quality academic programs taught by world-class faculty. LIU offers 500 accredited programs to more than 20,000 students and has a network of over 200,000 alumni, including leaders in industries across the globe. Visit liu.edu for more information.

SOURCE Long Island University