Oxfam America Leader to Discuss International Relief Efforts. Wednesday, November 15, 2006

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Michael Delaney, the Director of Humanitarian Assistance for Oxfam America, will discuss "Lessons for the World's Humanitarian Emergencies: A Recipe for Disaster" on Wednesday, November 15, at 8:00 p.m., in the Villard Room of the College Center. This event, sponsored by the June and Aaron Gillespie Forum with support from Vassar College, is free and open to the public.

As Director of the Humanitarian Response Department, Delaney leads the agency's responses to such emergencies as the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the El Salvador earthquake of 2001, Hurricane Mitch in Central America, flooding in Mozambique, and drought in Ethiopia. Delaney joined Oxfam America in 1990, and was previously Regional Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean, where he oversaw the agency's development projects in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. He also initiated Oxfam's program in Cuba and Mexico.

Delaney earlier spent five years in Central America and Mexico, working with refugee populations and promoting development in war-torn El Salvador. He also coordinated disaster relief efforts following the earthquake in San Salvador in 1986. Delaney holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Niagara University and a Master's Degree in Economics from SUNY Buffalo.

The June and Aaron Gillespie Forum was established in October 1988 to honor two founders of the Unitarian Fellowship of Poughkeepsie. The organization sponsors discussions of major subjects that affect the quality of human life.

This William Gifford Lecture is also supported by the Vassar departments of anthropology and political science, and the programs of American culture and media studies. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations at Vassar should contact Cathy Jennings in the Office of Campus Activities, at (845) 437-5370.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential, liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Thursday, October 19th, 2006.