Archives
Newsletter: November 2025
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
SEPTEMBER 18. Married to the CIA. The Mowatt-Larssens shared rare personal insights into life inside the world of espionage and diplomacy. As intelligence officers, they recounted how they navigated their roles in the CIA and dealt with the unique challenges of work and marriage within an intelligence community: balancing family life, overseas postings, and the demands of secrecy and service.
OCTOBER 13. Taiwan's Security. Dr. Michael Sun, retired Taiwanese Army colonel and political science professor at The Citadel, offered a realistic view of Taiwan's response to increasing military threats from China. Dr. Sun reported that the safest option for Taiwan is to maintain the status quo.
At the October 13 meeting, Mike Bowler (Immediate Past President) presented a plaque on behalf of the WACC board to recognize Rich Farrell for his years of dedicated service and support of the Council. Rich has been a member of WACC for 14 years and a board member for 9. We appreciate his varied skills, his institutional memory of the Council, and his willingness to lend a helping hand!
Upcoming Events
NOVEMBER 18. Is Democracy in Retreat? This timely talk by Ambassador (ret.) Jimmy Story will explore democracy as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy in an era marked by the erosion of democratic values, the rise of autocracies, and the sobering fact that the vast majority of the world’s population does not live in a democracy.
These trends challenge the global order, but globalization is not going away. From pandemics and supply chain disruptions to climate change, mass migrations, and cybersecurity, nations must honor their international commitments and work together to address the most pressing challenges of our time. Amb. Story was the last American diplomat to serve at the now shuttered U.S. Embassy in Venezuela.
At the Charleston Library Society. Register here. THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. Email Rachel Yon to be added to the waitlist: [email protected].
DECEMBER 8. Rotary in the World. With government spending on social needs and services declining across the globe, the need for civil society is more important than ever. John Hewko, general secretary and CEO of Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation, will discuss the increasingly important role of global organizations such as Rotary in filling the gap, promoting peace and people-to-people multilateralism, and addressing social needs at the local, regional, and international levels. At Capers Hall on The Citadel campus.
APRIL 21-29, 2026. One double room remaining. Join fellow globetrotters on a small-group journey that explores the history, art, and culinary treasures of Umbria, Italy. Book and pay in full by December 22 for a $250 discount. Details here. 
Announcements
In September, WACC nominated a CofC student to represent our Council at the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) national conference November 18-21 in Washington, DC. Senior Sophia Mucci is one of 25 students from across the country selected by WACA to participate in the conference as part of their Student Scholars program.
Sophia is a double major in Environmental Geosciences and Francophone studies. In her internships with the U.S. Navy and National Geographic Society, she has learned to use geospatial data to drive storytelling and decision-making. She hopes to apply her skills in an international career focused on solving global environmental problems.
Member Spotlight
Joe Reynolds, retired Merchant Marine. Joe grew up in New England then attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, where he graduated in 1987 with dual licenses in engine and deck.
He sailed for 35 years as an engineer, eventually becoming chief engineer for many years. During his career at sea, he supported operations in the Persian Gulf, including delivery of 4th Infantry and 1st Armored division equipment to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and U.S. Marine Corps equipment for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He also resupplied the U.S. National Science Foundation station at McMurdo Base in Antarctica.
Joe has crossed the equator several times, been north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle and crossed all oceans. In 2020 he ran for Senate in the state of South Carolina, garnering over 40,000 votes. He is now retired and enjoy through-hiking expeditions in Arizona.
