About the Center

The Mortara Center for International Studies seeks to advance scholarship and inform policy by combining the expertise of scholars and the experience of international affairs practitioners to illuminate the fundamental forces — political, economic, cultural, ideological — that shape international relations. To realize this mission, the Center organizes and co-sponsors lectures, seminars, conferences and provides support for research and publications.

History

The Mortara Center for International Studies was founded through the generosity of the late Mr. Michael P. Mortara and his wife, Mrs. Virginia Mortara. At the time of his death in November 2000, Michael Mortara was president and chief executive officer of Goldman Sachs Ventures. Prior to this position, he was co-head of Goldman Sachs' fixed income currency and commodity division and a member of the firm's management, finance, and risk committees.

A 1971 graduate of Georgetown's School of Foreign Service, Mortara was a dedicated volunteer leader, as evidenced by his many commitments to the School's Board of Visitors, the Third Century Campaign Steering Committee, and the board of the Wall Street Alliance, of which he was a founding member. Just months before his tragic death, Mortara began his service on the University's Board of Directors, proving a judicious member of the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Main Campus Affairs. He actively recruited Georgetown students to Goldman Sachs and encouraged the firm to support a variety of projects on campus. His elder son, Michael Jr., is a graduate of the School of Foreign Service class of 2004, and his younger son, Matthew, is a member of the class of 2009.

Mortara envisioned a center of scholarly inquiry at the School of Foreign Service that would embody the mission of the School and its focus on the intersection of theory and practice in international affairs. With the help of his wife, Virginia, the School of Foreign Service is continuing his noble vision by developing the center he imagined.

Officially opened in January 2003, the Mortara Center for International Studies is a site for scholarly research that addresses broad issues of global change and American foreign policy choices. The Center's purpose is to stimulate and support internationally-oriented university research and exchange.

The Mortara Building

The new Mortara Building officially opened in September of 2005. The building is home to the Mortara Center for International Studies, the Center for Peace and Security Studies, and Women in International Security. The building features beautiful office facilities and three conference rooms with highly advanced audio-visual technology. With this beautiful new home the Mortara Center has expanded its activities in the past year and will continue to grow in the year ahead.

Support the Mortara Center

If you are interested in supporting the Mortara Center and its activities, please contact Aliz Agoston at mortaracenter@georgetown.edu.