Public invited to contribute their well-wishes beginning Nov. 21
Newport, RI – Sen. Claiborne Pell’s contributions to the world, to the nation, to Rhode Island – and to Salve Regina University – are immeasurable.
On the eve of the retired Senator’s 90th birthday (which is Saturday, Nov. 22), the Salve Regina community is expressing what it is most thankful for – the privilege of calling Senator Pell a close friend. To honor the Pell legacy and friendship, Salve Regina is posting a video tribute and virtual birthday card that will remain on the university’s home page at www.salve.edu for a week. Beginning around noon Friday, the public is invited to view the tribute page and submit thoughts and good wishes honoring the Senator’s lifetime of community service. These thoughts will be bound into a commemorative album and presented to the Senator and the Pell family.
Many prominent leaders in government, the arts, education, as well as friends and colleagues of Sen. Pell from around the world have already submitted their well-wishes via the site prior to it going public on Friday, including Lee Hamilton, president and director, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; Mary Beth Markey, vice president for International Advocacy, International Campaign for Tibet; and Ambassador Claudia Fritsche, Embassy of Liechtenstein. www.salve.edu.
Over the years, Senator Pell and his wife Nuala have tirelessly supported the university, its mission and its Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy. It was through His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s close personal friendship with Senator Pell that the exiled Tibetan leader graced Salve Regina with his 2005 visit and public lecture, “A Human Approach to World Peace.
The establishment of Salve Regina’s Pell Center (by Act of Congress) was inspired by Senator Pell and two of his principle goals – to encourage international dialogue to achieve a more peaceful world and preparing citizens for an informed and active role in local, national and world affairs. Senator Pell.
“Today, as you celebrate nine decades, may you know the admiration and respect that the world has for you,” writes Sister M. Therese Antone, Salve Regina president. “Not without hard work and sacrifice, your lasting contributions to peace and justice in the world have been truly amazing.”
Through Senator Pell’s eternal inspiration of wisdom and courage, the Pell Center continues to present an ambitious program of conferences, guests and lecturers eager to tackle the critical issues around the globe.
“Through his example of quiet determination, humility, sense of purpose, and unwavering commitment to dialogue and understanding, Senator Claiborne Pell has changed our lives-and the world,” said Dr. P.H. Liotta, executive director of the Pell Center. “We at the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy at Salve Regina University are honored to promote his legacy, and humbled to have the Pell family share in the great adventure that lies before us. Thanks to Senator’s Pell dedication, especially in these challenging times, we should never forget that public service is an honorable and noble calling, drawing on the best of who we are to bring about the best in others.”
