Looks like PSU has been given a grant from the US Dept. of Education to serve as a Middle East National Resource Center. Amounts to $243,000/year for four years. PSU's ME Studies Center just celebrated its 50th year of operation. In 1961 the MESC received its first federal grant as an undergraduate center (we were PSC back then). Since, PSU has been known for its Middle East Studies Program, and it looks like the reputation continues undiminished. Congratulations!