https://maps.app.goo.gl/T1SwMN3hvpJARvFt7?g_st=am
Because I don't see a separate listing for CISAC (Center for International Security and Cooperation) on maps I will do the review here . It's about the periodic luncheon lectures on the second floor Perry room.
Most recently on 3/4/25 I was there to hear a lecture entitled "Russia and Iran: Partners in Defiance from Syria to Ukraine" by Nicole Grajewski. I arrived a few minutes late just as it was starting. There's an African-American lady who checks the names to see if you're entitled to have a lunch (if you RSVP'd) .
She always tells me sternly to BE QUIET when she asks me my name even though I'm already being quiet. It feels more like Power & Control rather than a sincere concern that by saying my name too loud I might be disrupting the lecture. I could sense immediately that she does not approve of me.
Nonetheless, she gave me the okay to grab a meal from the table and so I took it and entered the conference room and almost all the empty chairs were right in front of the speaker. I wish they could have the first arrivals sit up front so that people who come in a little bit late don't have to walk awkwardly all the way up to the front . This seems to be more of a disruption than saying my name too loud in the hallway.
Then, the lunch they provide is too complicated. All I want or need is a basic sandwich. Instead I got sushi and rice and a little bit of beef, inside a styrofoam dish that was very loud to open. And they give you some sauce to pour on it which is also difficult to open let alone open it quietly.
In fact it was so difficult I just set it aside afraid that I was going to pop it open and spill it all over myself- some kind of green curry filled to the brim. I decided to try to eat the meal without the sauce, but the first bite of the rice was cold & not appetizing to me.
I don't know how they order these meals. Does the person who coordinates everything have a choice about what's on the menu ? If so, I encourage them to make it more simple next time.
Finally, I am a simple member of the public and not an expert on any of these topics. And I'm surrounded by these people called "fellows " who are studying the exact topic about which is being lectured upon. These are the people who should be in front.
Here I am, a simple man, forced to sit up front with these two experts ( Nicole & the professor) in front of me during the question period after the lecture. I have average knowledge of the topic of Iran and Russia based on reading the news, listening to podcasts etc, & yes I am a college graduate & graduate school but not in this area of study. I'm educated, but relatively simple.
I like the idea of them keeping these lectures open to the public but they should have separate seating areas. Put the public in the back so we don't have to awkwardly sit in front of the experts and feel stupid.
And make the meals simple. Pizza is a good easy one. Or sandwiches with a side of chips. Nonetheless, thank you for your hospitality or attempt to be hospitable. And tell the African-American lady I'm not a bad person. I'm a good guy with good intentions and a good heart ❤️. God bless you.
