CMES organized a talk by Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) which was cosponsored by the American Iranian Council. Senator Hagel's talk was entitled "21st Century Challenges" and took place in the Lower Dodge Hall of the Jane Vorhees Zimmerli Art Museum. It was preceded by a small private function with members of the Rutgers faculty and administration and several distinguished guests. Senator Hagel was introduced by Dr. Ray Caprio, Vice President for Continuous Education and Outreach. Both the reception and the lecture were well attended, with nearly 125 participants, and the event was subsequently featured on the front page of the Daily Targum.