Hello Dalai! Lama Gives Green to FIU
Tibetan leader donates $100,000 to Miami college
By BRIAN HAMACHER
Updated 8:20 AM EDT, Tue, May 26, 2009
A higher power is trying to save the religion department at Florida International University.
The Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan holy leader, has pledged $100,000 to help save the University's program, one of three at FIU which is slated to close.
"In our deeply interconnected world, understanding and appreciation of diversity of religions is critical in fostering a culture of genuine tolerance and peaceful coexistence," read a letter from the Lama's office to FIU President Modesto A. Maidique, according to the Miami Herald. "If the department were to close down, it will not be easy to rebuild it."
FIU is expected to accept the contribution, though a professor leading the program said the spiritual leader's donation may not be enough to save the program.
FIU is expected to take a hit in state funding to the tune of $27 million this year.
His Holiness has a long history with the Miami university. The Lama received an honorary degree from FIU in 1999 and paid a second visit to the school in 2004.
FIU is expected to vote on the budget cuts on June 12.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC Miami
First Published: May 26, 2009 6:16 AM EDT
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