Sudanese lost boy Valentino Achak Deng commenced his visit to campus Tuesday with an appearance at Reeve’s theater in Vaughn Center.
Wasting no time with unnecessary introductions, he immediately opened the floor to comments from UT students.
Most students in attendance at the event in Reeves were from English 101 classes.
What is the What, the book written by Dave Eggers that tells Deng’s refugee story in slightly fictionalized form, is required reading for all ENG 101 students.
The discussion in Reeves began quietly but soon opened into a ceaseless barrage of enthusiastic questions which lasted nearly an hour.
Deng answered all inquiries, from mundane political queries to the most personal of questions about his haunted past in the Sudanese Civil War, with equal grace and thoughtfulness.
His replies were soft-spoken but profoundly insightful. His quiet conviction and understated strength seemed contagious.
Deng made his sense of humor evident when he responded to one of many questions from female students about his life as a married man.
Grinning out across the audience, Deng replied, “My father had many wives. I have but one, and that is enough for me.”
All proceeds from the book What is the What go toward the Valentio Achak Deng Foundation, which aims to empower war-affected Sudanese populations.
Recently, the foundation completed its first major project: a high school based in Deng’s hometown.
In celebration of the new school, his foundation was able to open in his native village of Marial Bai. Deng had many comments on the role of education in ensuring a brighter future for nations like Sudan.
“Schools are one of the surest ways to promote peace and stability,” he said. “An educated person is not an asset to any one community but can help anywhere.”
Handshakes, book signings and even a good deal of hugs concluded the discussion in Reeves.
Students appeared deeply touched by the experience, and many stayed after to discuss personal issues.
Later that same night, Deng made yet another appearance at Falk Theater. His presentation this time was more comprehensive and informative, but less intimate.
Through inspiring and sobering recollections of his childhood in Sudan, Deng illuminated the enduring truths that govern our conflicting capacities for humanity and hatred.
Of all the students he had visited, Deng said, “The students here are great people, all very interested and well-informed.”