The University at Buffalo hosted His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in the fall as part of the 2006-2007 Distinguished Speakers Series. The visit on September 18-20, 2006, by His Holiness, who is the head of state in exile of Tibet and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, was an unprecedented event for the university and the local community. It gave greater prominence to the University's vibrant Asian Studies Program and many institutional and academic ties to Asia.

The primary purpose of the visit by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was educational, and included audiences with University at Buffalo students and faculty, as well as the awarding of a State University of New York honorary doctorate in humane letters to His Holiness. An interfaith service with representatives of local religious communities was also held.

The steering committee charged with planning the visit was chaired by Stephen C. Dunnett, Vice Provost for International Education; William J. Regan, Director for Conferences and Special Events; and Beau Willis, Chief of Staff, Office of the President. The rest of the committee consisted of University administrators and faculty, as well as community members.

Adapted from The 14th Dalai Lama at the University at Buffalo website http://www.buffalo.edu/dalai_lama/.