University of Utah President Michael K. Young will not only be working to strengthen the school he leads, but also relationships between countries as he fulfills a new assignment.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice recently appointed Young to the East-West Center's Board of Governors. As one of four new members, Young will join other national and international leaders who will together study and work to enhance relations and understanding between the peoples of Asia, the Pacific and the United States.

"I am thrilled to be serving on this important board with such an impressive group of leaders," Young said. "There is no question that China, Japan, Korea and other countries of that region play an extraordinary role in an ever-changing global economy and the world."

The EWC Board of Governors consists of 18 members: five appointed by the governor of Hawaii, five appointed by the U.S. secretary of state, five members from Asia and the Pacific Islands who are elected by the full board and three ex-officio members who include the governor of Hawaii, the assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs and the president of the University of Hawaii. It was established in 1960 by the U.S. Congress as an education and research organization and is funded by the U.S. government, with additional support provided by private agencies, individuals, foundations, corporations and the governments of the regions involved.

"The research this body conducts is a critical part of our continuing efforts to bolster our relationships in the region and has made a lasting impression on our mutual efforts to engage in peaceful and meaningful cooperation," Young said.

He joins the board as one of four newly appointed members, including Lori Forman, director of community affairs for Asia for Microsoft; Theodore B. Lee, president of the Urban Land Company in San Francisco and Las Vegas; and S. Linn Williams, executive vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer of the Mirant Corp. in a three-year term on the board.

Located in Honolulu, the center contributes to a peaceful, prosperous and just Asia/Pacific community by serving as vigorous hub for cooperative research, education and dialogue on critical issues of common concern to the Asia Pacific region and the United States.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com