Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, Massachusetts has appointed Vern Penner DS’57 as Diplomat in Residence for the Spring, 2014 semester. Vern will deliver a series of guest lectures to BSU’s Center for International Engagement and in support of the college’s international activities and programs, giving particular focus to Cape Verde, where Vern was United States Ambassador from 1986-1990. BSU is establishing an institute for Cape Verdean Studies – the first of its kind in the U.S. – that will run an annual summer leadership course for young Cape Verdeans beginning in July, 2014 and expects to open an American School in Praia, Cabo Verde.