PROVIDENCE, R.I. – U.S. Ambassador to Portugal Robert Sherman will appear at a town-hall style meeting to address topics of interest to the Lusophone community on Monday, March 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Student Union Ballroom at Rhode Island College, 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence.
This event is sponsored by the Institute of Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies (IPLWS) at Rhode Island College and is free and open to the public. Registration is required. To reserve a seat, email mfraley1@ric.edu or call 401-456-8496.
Among local dignitaries who have committed to attend this event are U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, R.I. House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello, R.I. Sen. Daniel DaPonte, R.I. Rep. Helio Melo and other Rhode Island and Massachusetts Luso-American elected officials.
“The Portuguese community is a longstanding and very significant part of our state’s citizenry,” said RIC President Nancy Carriuolo. In Rhode Island, more than 10 percent of the population claim ancestry from a Lusophone country; the highest percentage of any state in the nation, according to IPLWS. “Rhode Island College is proud to host the U.S. ambassador to Portugal,” said Carriuolo.
Following a light buffet luncheon and the ambassador’s remarks, members of the audience will be invited to ask questions on topics regarding U.S.-Portugal bilateral relations and world geopolitical issues.
“It is an honor for the institute and Rhode Island College to host Ambassador Sherman’s only stop in Rhode Island during his New England visit,” said Director of IPLWS Marie Fraley. “We are happy to be the facilitator and the meeting place for faculty, students and members of the greater Portuguese community.”
The Institute of Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies at Rhode Island College is designed to support and promote the Portuguese Studies academic program at the college, to bridge the connection between the college and the Lusophone community, and to pursue scholarly and cultural research in the areas of the Portuguese language and Lusophone culture.
