Cascadia College, Bothell, WA – May 6, 2025 — Cascadia College began the week with a powerful and thought-provoking event that left a lasting impression on attendees. Professor Dr. Ori Z. Soltes of Georgetown University delivered a compelling lecture titled “Fethullah Gülen: Education and Human Rights,” drawing an audience of over 100 participants, most of whom were students.
The event, organized in collaboration with Cascadia College’s Global Education Committee and Pacifica Foundation Seattle, offered a deep dive into the life, ideas, and global impact of Turkish scholar and spiritual leader Fethullah Gülen. Prof. Dr. Soltes explored Gülen’s contributions to universal education and human rights, emphasizing his advocacy for interfaith dialogue, nonviolence, and civic engagement.
Following the lecture, students engaged in small group discussions at their tables, exchanging reflections and exploring the implications of the talk. The conversations, marked by both intellectual curiosity and emotional resonance, showcased the depth of student engagement with the topics of education, human dignity, and global citizenship.
The program continued with a Q&A session, where participants posed insightful questions to Dr. Soltes. The highlight of the event came when two students took the stage to share emotional and inspiring remarks, reflecting on how the lecture personally impacted them and broadened their understanding of human rights and social responsibility.
To close the event, Prof. Dr. Soltes signed copies of his books for attendees, furthering the dialogue and connection between speaker and students.
The lecture was met with enthusiastic feedback from participants, many of whom praised the event for its intellectual richness and its relevance to current global issues. Organizers noted that the event aimed to raise awareness among young people about the importance of human rights and the transformative power of education—both central pillars in Gülen’s philosophy.
This memorable event underscored Cascadia College’s ongoing commitment to global education and dialogue, setting a high bar for future initiatives aimed at fostering intercultural understanding and civic awareness.
