Former Caterpillar Executive Looks at Issues of Economic Globalization in Lawrence University Lecture Series

APPLETON, WIS. -- Donald Niemi, a former U.S. State Department foreign service officer and 24-year executive with Caterpillar, Inc., a Fortune 100 company, shares his perspective on economic globalization in the fifth installment of the Lawrence University lecture series, "Debating Globalization: Politics, Economics and Culture."

Niemi, a 1960 graduate of Lawrence, returns to his alma mater to present the address "Business View of Globalization" Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. in Science Hall, Room 102 on the Lawrence campus. The event is free and open to the public.

In his address, Niemi will discuss protected markets and what they mean to U.S. consumers, the consequences of opening protected markets to multinational companies and the unique challenges of dealing with public and private officials in developing countries.

After spending 11 years with the U.S. State Department, Niemi joined Caterpillar Inc., the world's largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, in 1976. During his career there, Niemi served as Caterpillar's liaison with the European Community in Brussels, negotiated international licensing and joint venture agreements around the world, including India and China, and spent five years in Caterpillar Logistics Services, overseeing parts distributions and logistical services to other companies. He retired from Caterpillar in 2000.

In addition to a bachelor's degree in government from Lawrence, Niemi earned a master of arts degree and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Chicago.

The "Debating Globalization: Politics, Economics and Culture" lecture series is sponsored by the Mojmir Povolny Lectureship in International Studies. Named in honor of long-time Lawrence government professor Mojmir Povolny, the lectureship promotes interest and discussion on issues of moral significance and ethical dimensions.