The center's new UPDATE series will present experts on such topics as the U.S. Congress on Oct. 15 and Asian politics and economics on Nov. 12. All events are free and open to the public.

UPDATE: U.S. Congress

Monday, Oct. 15

7 p.m.

Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center

Presented in conjunction with the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Three Washington experts tackle how Congress is likely to deal with foreign policy, the budget, education and the environment.

• Geoffrey D. Dabelko, Director, Environmental Change and Security Program, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; Coordinator, Global Health Initiative
• Kent Hughes, Director, Science, Technology, America and the Global Economy, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; Consulting Director, Global Energy Initiative; former Chief Economist for the Senate Majority Leader
• Donald Wolfensberger, Director, Congress Project, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; former Chief of Staff, House Rules Committee

UPDATE: Asia

Monday, Nov. 12

7 p.m.

Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center

Co-sponsored by the Center on Japanese Economy and Business, Columbia University

Hear about the impact of Asian economies on the United States from leading experts on the region.

• Jennifer Amyx, Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations; Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Pennsylvania
• Harry Harding, University Professor of International Affairs, George Washington University; Director of Research and Analysis, Eurasia Group
• Arthur Mitchell, Former General Counsel, Asian Development Bank; former private secretary to Japan's former Prime Minister Masayoshi Ohira
• Hugh T. Patrick, Director, Center on Japanese Economy and Business; Co-Director, APEC Study Center; R.D. Calkins Professor of International Business Emeritus, Columbia University
• Ann Marie Murphy, Assistant Professor, Whitehead School of Diplomacy & International Relations, Seton Hall University

Established through a $3 million gift from Ronya Kozmetsky and her late husband, George, the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance promotes understanding of global issues.

For more information about the Kozmetsky Center: www.stedwards.edu/kozmetskycenter.