Wayne State will be the first university in the United States to offer introductory language instruction in Albanian on a regular basis. The first of a two-class sequence is scheduled for the Fall semester of 2003.

Kenneth Walters, chairperson of the Classics, Greek and Latin department, received letters of encouragement and support for the courses from almost two dozen organizations -- civic and religious leaders in the local Albanian American community. "What's particularly important and encouraging, is that it's not just one group that is behind this effort," said Walters. "It is a broad cross-section, representing the rich religious, linguistic, and cultural diversity of Albania itself".

Walters said the Albanian American community in metro Detroit is large; some estimates put it over 60,000. "Certainly, it is the second largest Albanian community in the United States after New York City."

The initiative for the courses came from a former student, Nua Gjelaj, now a graduate teaching history, who is of Albanian heritage. Gjelaj enlisted community support and sought a qualified instructor. In addition, two local groups, Malsia e Madhe ("The Great Mountains" in Albanian) and Wayne's Albanian-American Student Organization provided financial backing.

"In my view, this initiative exemplifies one of the most important aspects of our mission here at Wayne State," said Lawrence Scaff, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, "namely, being responsive to the needs of our incredibly diverse cultural community."

Albanian is offered through the department of Classics, Greek, and Latin because its long history extends to classical times, when the country was known as Illyria. Ancient Illyria neighbored on both ancient Greece and Rome and figured prominently in their history. For instance, the mother of Alexander the Great was an Illyrian princess, and some of Rome's greatest emperors, Diocletian, Constantine the Great and Justinian the Great, are thought to be of Illyrian heritage. "The historical, cultural, and geographical connections make it a natural fit for this department," said Walters.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students in metropolitan Detroit.