Episode 9 - Building a Better World

The final episode in this series features the story of Deo Niyizonkiza, founder and CEO of Village Health Works, an organization that provides healthcare and education services in the small East African country of Burundi. Deo was the the subject of the 2009 book “Strength in What Remains” by Tracy Kidder, which was hailed by the New York Times and many others. He received an honorary doctorate from Williams College in 2013. In 2019, the Williams Club hosted a special evening with Deo, in which he talked about his incredible story from refugee to peacemaker and healthcare leader. Village Health Works continues to thrive today; recently, their new hospital was officially opened by the President of Burundi. Deo was joined in the conversation by Village Health Works clinical program director Dr. Cathryn Christensen (Williams ‘01).

Established in 1913, the Williams Club is an alumni club in mid-town Manhattan with membership open to alumni, family, undergrads, faculty & staff of 35 affiliate institutions, including all of the schools in the NESCAC conference. Visit williamsclub.org to learn more and become a member.

Event Producer: Dale Riehl (Williams '72)
Podcast Producer: Jon Earle (Williams ’09)
Special thanks: Joe Mastracchio (Williams ‘10), Jaskaran Singh (Williams '25)