Consul General of Austria to discuss European states role in debt crisis

On Monday, Jan. 30, Thomas Schnöell, Consul General of Austria in Chicago, will discuss the role of smaller European states in the debt crisis at the University of Northern Iowa. Schnöell will present the lecture "The Future of the Eurozone: The European Project at a Crossroad" in the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center lobby from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

"We've been working really hard to internationalize our campus, but no matter what we do or how much effort we put in, unfortunately the reality is that students, faculty or whoever still won't travel because of different constraints," said Nadia Korobova, assistant director of the UNI International Programs. "So what we're trying to do is bring the world to them, for those who can't travel. Last year is when we decided to hold ‘diplomats series,' which we will try once or twice a semester to bring a prominent diplomat on campus to give a lecture on a variety of topics."

Appointed Consul General of Austria in Chicago in 2010, Schnöell has been posted to the Austrian Embassy in Paris, served in Permanent Representation of Austria to the European Union in Brussels,and been appointed Head of Western Balkans in 2004 after his return to Vienna, according to the UNI Office of International Programs.

Korobova encourages everyone at UNI and in the community to get involved with the event and learn something new, not just political science or economics majors.

"We bring someone that you probably won't get the chance to meet like that in your lifetime," Korobova said. "I think it's such a great chance, and it's so convenient, and it only takes one hour of your time to learn more about Austria, Europe (and) about some of the economic … happenings from a different perspective."

For the upcoming semester and for next year, Korobova hopes to get the Director General of Taiwan to come to UNI in April, the Consul General of Peru to come in September and a Consul General from China to come next year.

"We're hoping for a good turn out, and we're hoping our faculty will help promote that," Korobova said. "It's a good opportunity for us to get be able to get the questions answered here from someone in this position."