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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Laura Ingalls (laura.ingalls@worldlearning.org) in Washington, 1.202.464.6973

World Learning Chair Emeritus and Experiment alum receives Germany’s highest civilian award

BRATTLEBORO (February 10, 2010) -- In 1961, the same year the Berlin wall was built, David A. Murdoch travelled to Germany with The Experiment in International Living, a journey that would define the next 50 years of his life.

As an Experimenter to Germany, Murdoch understood German culture and politics through his homestay in Mannheim and visits to West and East Berlin. He learned first-hand what the concrete blocks, barbed wired and armed tanks of East Berlin meant to the divided city and to the rest of the world.

"The shock of knowing that…the fight for one's way of life was now bordering on military force was daunting," Murdoch said. "It was a defining moment in my life." In that moment, Murdoch dedicated himself to a lifetime of promoting peace and justice through cross-cultural exchange.

This month, Germany will honor Murdoch's commitment to strengthening international relations by awarding the American with Germany's highest civilian award, the Bundesverdienstkreuz or Cross of the Order of Merit. The award is the highest tribute the German government can pay to an individual for service to the German nation.

"I am surprised, humbled and honored," Murdoch said. "This is not something that you aspire to or expect, but it is a great recognition for a lifetime of experiences working with Germany."

As part of Murdoch's work to improve European-American relations—particularly German-American relations—he has served as honorary consul for the Federal Republic of Germany, chair emeritus of the World Learning Board of Trustees, board chairman for the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, and a member of the advisory board of the German Experiment in International Living (Experiment e. V.)

Murdoch will receive his award on February 22 at a World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh luncheon titled, "The U.S. and the EU: From Pittsburgh to the G-20 Summits in 2010." The webcast event will feature Dr. Horst Freitag, consul general of the Federal Republic of Germany, and will focus on how upcoming G-20 summits will address major global challenges through partnerships. The discussion will be moderated by Mark A. Nordenberg, Esq., chancellor and chief executive officer of the University of Pittsburgh.

For Murdoch, this award symbolizes the important role that one person, even as a private citizen, can play in fostering peace and global understanding.

"The Experiment was founded on the premise that peace can only come from people understanding other people," Murdoch said. "Sometimes those people are privileged to hold positions of power and influence in government or outside of government…but it is people nonetheless."

For more information on the event or to attend the webcast, please visit the events page.

Learn more about World Learning:

The Experiment in International Living
SIT Study Abroad
SIT Graduate Institute
International Honors Program
International Development and Exchange