Opening Doors Abroad
New endowment honors mentorship, global learning and the experiences that shape a life
For Susan Schlein 75C and Robert Schlein, one of Emory’s greatest gifts is helping students discover what inspires them and shapes their future. “Emory is all about finding your passion,” she says. “And your passion will carry you through the rest of your life.”
When their daughter, Deborah Schlein 13C arrived at Emory, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to study. Like many first-year students, she was exploring possibilities, leaning toward history but open to new directions. Then she met Professor Gordon Newby who was chair of the Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies Department (MESAS).
During an advising conversation, Deborah — who excelled in high school Spanish — brought up a curiosity about speaking Arabic. Newby encouraged her to explore, so she enrolled in Arabic courses, took an introductory Middle Eastern Studies class, and quickly discovered that the subject captivated her.
“Watching the effect Emory had on our daughter was incredible,” Susan says.
At Newby’s encouragement, Deborah spent a summer studying Arabic in Morocco through a study abroad program at Al Akhawayn University in the Atlas Mountains. The experience strengthened her Arabic skills, broadened her perspective, and deepened her interest in the region she was studying.
“The time I spent in Morocco taught me to be more open to new experiences, to learning from people I would not have otherwise had the chance to meet, and to take bigger steps outside of my comfort zone,” Deborah says.
For the Schleins, the impact was unmistakable. Deborah Schlein is now the Near Eastern Studies Librarian at Princeton University, where she works with manuscripts and scholarly materials spanning multiple languages and cultures.
“I want future students to have a similar experience,” Susan says. “I hope studying abroad helps them crystallize what they want to do as a career.”
The cost, however, can be significant. This reality inspired the couple to make a gift that will help Emory students pursue study abroad opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. The family’s appreciation for Newby’s mentorship runs so deep they chose to include his name in the new endowment.
The Schlein-Newby MESAS Experiential Learning Award Endowment will help students who want to participate in study abroad experiences but may face financial barriers. The gift is a tribute to the department that changed their daughter’s life and a way to ensure future students have access to similar opportunities.
