This is a signal moment in the history of Florida International University. The new School of International and Public Affairs, SIPA, opened on January 5, 2009. Comprised of four major departments--Politics & International Relations; Public Administration; Sociology, Geography, and Anthropology; and Criminal Justice--SIPA provides cutting edge perspectives, world class faculty, and the analytical skills necessary to comprehend and compete in the globalized world of the 21st century at the B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. levels. Our centers, institutes, and programs provide students with opportunities to study Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, globalization, migration, conflict resolution, and national security. SIPA offers students internship, public service, and study abroad across the globe. It is fitting, indeed, that the launch of our signature school--the School of International and Public Affairs--takes inspiration from the legacy of Ruth and Shepard Broad whose lives and works transcended the boundaries of states and societies. We are proud to offer students, faculty, and the community insights into the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century through the Ruth K. and Shepard Broad International Lecture Series of the School of International and Public Affairs.