Upcoming Events and Speakers
2nd Annual President's Leadership Dialogue
Deo Niyizonkiza, M.D..
The 2nd Annual President's Leadership Dialogue was held on February 25th in Drayton Hall. The featured speaker, Deo Niyizonkiza, shared his unique story of perseverance, triumph, and leadership with the large audience of USC students, faculty, and staff. After his moving speech, Deo and USC President Harris Pastides informally discussed Deo's immigration to the United States during the Burundian genocide, and his beliefs, values, and thoughts about leadership. To read more about the event, see the Daily Gamecock's article written by Khadija Dennis.
Deo Niyizonkiza, an escaped refugee from the war-torn country of Burundi, arrived in New York City penniless and without knowing English and within two years was attending Columbia University.
He went on to attend medical school in the United States and in addition to becoming an expert in public health, he has since established Village Health Works, a Burundian clinic that believes in quality health care in a dignified environment for all people.
Niyizonkiza is also the protagonist in Tracy Kidder’s book “Strength in What Remains.” Join USC President Harris Pastides and Deo Niyizonkiza as they discuss Deo's story and leadership on February 25th at 7:00pm in Drayton Hall. The event is free and open to the public.
For background knowledge on the genocide in Burundi or to read a copy of “Strength in What Remains,” please visit the Thomas Cooper Library.
