Laney Symposium


The Laney Symposium carries forward the vision of Emory’s 19th President, James T. Laney.

President Laney inspired Emory’s commitment to an unparalleled standard of graduate education, one that sees research and scholarship as an intellectual and moral engagement with the public and global good. Building on that legacy, the Laney Symposium fosters conversation about how graduate education touches important and difficult problems facing local, national, and global communities.

Past Events: Laney Symposium, 2014

Today’s fast-paced, interconnected world presents challenges and complexities that require critical skills: analytical vigor, sensitive listening, thoughtful articulation, adaptable perspectives, and innovative problem solving. From global health to conflict resolution, from sustainable development to human-rights advocacy – our world requires a commitment to robust inquiry as well as an understanding of global complexities, cultural diversity, and human differences. How does graduate education advance the debate and reveal/discover policy solutions?

Featured Guests and Panelists

  • Introductions: Emory president emeritus Dr. James T. Laney.
  • Keynote remarks: Dr. George Rupp, past president, International Rescue Committee; president emeritus, Columbia University; board member, Council on Foreign Relations
  • Panelists: Dr. Rupp; Dr. Manuel Montoya, LGS alumnus, Rhodes Scholar, member of the Council on Foreign Relations and professor at the University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management; Provost Claire Sterk; and Morgan Mercer, graduate student (Master’s in Development Practice). Moderated by Dean Lisa Tedesco.