Global Education Office

Richmond, VA (March 17, 2023) — Virginia Commonwealth University will welcome to campus the British Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Dame Karen Pierce, DCMG, and other dignitaries from the UK Embassy on March 20-21, 2023. During the visit, several events and activities are planned that will engage the guests with students and the Richmond community including numerous classroom visits, luncheons, roundtable discussions, and even a tea. In addition, the events will include a discussion with the ambassador, “Democracy and Diplomacy: Cultivating our Future,” which will explore US/UK relations, the challenges of global diplomacy and her extensive international career ranging from the United Nations to Afghanistan and beyond.

The activities below are being co-sponsored and supported by VCU’s Global Education Office, Honors College, School of World Studies, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government Affairs, and the College of Humanities and Sciences Department of Political Science.  

Monday, March 20 

11 a.m.     
Marshall Scholarship Information Session (hybrid event)

Honors College Multipurpose Room
Zoom access: https://vcu.zoom.us/j/81396904391

An information session on the Marshall Scholarships to study in the UK.  



3:30-5 p.m.      
Democracy and Diplomacy, featuring UK Ambassador

University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballroom

Her Excellency Dame Karen Pierce DCMG, British Ambassador to the United States of America, and fellow British diplomats Paul Rennie and Phil Dickinson will host Democracy and Diplomacy: Cultivating Our Future, an insightful discussion exploring US/UK relations, the challenges of global diplomacy and her extensive international career ranging from the United Nations to Afghanistan, and beyond.  Hosted by the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs and the College of Humanities and Sciences Department of Political Science.

 

 

 

 

7 p.m.      
Great British Pub Quiz

Richbrau Brewery, 5 South 20th Street

Join diplomats and friends of the UK embassy for a fun night of trivia at the Great British Pub Quiz.  Students, faculty, staff and friends are welcome.  There will be lots of goodies, prizes, and fun with the UK embassy diplomats!  Must be 21 and up to participate.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, March 21

2-2 p.m.      
Study in the UK information session (hybrid event)

University Student Commons SGA Senate Chambers   
Zoom option: https://vcu.zoom.us/j/81327860156

Diplomat Jessica Border of the UK Embassy and VCU Global Education Office staff will present an informal informational session on opportunities to study in the UK including study abroad opportunities, graduate degree programs, and scholarships.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3:30-5 p.m.     
UK Embassy Roundtable MCALC 1107

Four diplomats from the UK embassy will present a roundtable discussion facilitated by VCU's School of World Studies.  Diplomats featured include Molly Gosling, Second Secretary of Emerging Technology and Ministry of Defence, Phil Dickinson, Second Secretary Political, Sam Heath, UK Spokesperson to the US and Head of Communications, and John Moffat, Counsellor of the British Defence Staff Defence Policy & Nuclear.  Topics of discussion may include Brexit, Ukraine-Russia, Israel-Palestine, NATO, climate change, economics and more.