This seminal conference is the first of its kind to be convened anywhere. Its organizers, members of the Kahlil Gibran Research and Studies Project, have been working diligently to enrich the educational experience of students studying East-West relations, to contribute to the discourse of analysts interested in conflict resolution, and to provide a greater understanding of Gibran's contribution to cross-cultural communication and the universal values he championed.

       Since its inception, the Kahlil Gibran Research and Studies Project has published a number of significant contributions to the Gibran canon including: The Prophet: Introductions and Annotations, edited by Suheil Bushrui, director of the Kahlil Gibran Research and Studies Project; and Love Letters from Kahlil Gibran to May Ziadah, from a translation by Dr. Bushrui and Mrs. Kuzbari.

       One of the most outstanding successes of the Gibran Project has been the publication of Kahlil Gibran: Man and Poet—A New Biography, also by Dr. Bushrui, with Joe Jenkins. This book, an unprecedented examination of Gibran's legacy, has received widespread attention in the academic world and among the general reading public. It offers fresh insights into Gibran's life, times and work and sets new criteria in evaluating Gibran. Its authors used in-depth critical analysis of Gibran's English and Arabic writings, studied previously unresearched sources, and conducted a study of the complete bibliographies of works by and about Gibran.

       This biography, so carefully researched and written, so notable in its presentation of new ideas and information about Gibran, so important because it has become a reference for others studying Gibran, illustrates perfectly Suheil Bushrui's commitment to the Gibran Project. Dr. Bushrui's hard work, his creativity and his intellect have opened up new doors for everyone who continues to be touched by the art of Kahlil Gibran.

       And this conference may open up yet again more doors. UNESCO has identified the year 2000 as the International Year of the Culture of Peace, so it is appropriate that as we near the year 2000, we come together to examine, study and share thoughts about the man who for so many defines cross-cultural understanding, universal fellowship and the unification of the human race.

From the welcoming remarks to participants of the First International Conference on Kahlil Gibran by Gregory L. Geoffroy, Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs, University of Maryland, College Park
Presented Thursday, December 9, 1999