Future Leaders of Dialogue Dinners (FLDD)
At Atlantic Institute, we understand the impact that leaders have on society.
We also know that today's student leaders will shapeour tomorrow. Atlantic Institute hosts annual Future Leaders of Dialogue Dinners for a diverse group of student leaders with a festive dinner, insightful keynote speakers, and intellectually stimulating table discussions. These dinners have received an overwhelmingly positive feedback from faculty and students at each institution it was held. Sharing a meal at a table is one of the best ways of fostering dialogue and understanding. The program gives students an opportunity for intra- and intercultural exchange and understanding. We strongly believe that attendees leave the program with an increased understanding and tolerance toward people of different backgrounds. Atlantic Institute organizes five Future Leaders of Dialogue Dinners programs every year in the following cities and universities.
1-) Clemson: Clemson University, Anderson University, and Southern Wesleyan University.
2-) Greenville: Furman University, Greenville Tech, and Bob Jones University.
3-) Spartanburg: USC Upstate and Wofford College.
4-) Columbia: USC, Benedict College, Columbia International University, South Carolina State University, Columbia College, and Newberry College.
5-) Charleston: College of Charleston, The Citadel, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston Baptist University, Charleston School of Law.
The previous years' topics have been: "Integrity in Global Context", "Empathy: Walking in Another's Shoes", and" Art of Living Together." Department chairs from these colleges are asked to invite six distinguished students and one faculty member to attend the dinner. One member of Atlantic Institute is assigned to each table to help facilitate table conversation. Each table had a list of pre-set questions they are to discuss over dinner and then one person from each table is invited to speak at the podium and share their tables' opinions.
There are two distinguished speakers, ranging from senators, university presidents, or heads of organizations that are closely related to the theme of the dinner. Previous speakers include SC State Senator Thomas Alexander, Rod Smolla, Furman University President, Dr. David M. Aurich, Director, Academic Integrity at USC, Dr. A.Kadir Yildirim, Furman University Political Science Professor, Dr. Elvan Aktas, Professor of Finance, Valdosta State University, and Dr. Mustafa Gokhan Sahin, Executive Director of Istanbul Center.
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