January 28, 2013

For Immediate Release

University Marketing & Communications: Mike Rigert (801) 863-6807

Written by: Elaine Englehardt (801) 863-6464

“Two Faces of Greed: Conflict Diamonds,” will be discussed by author and Utah Valley University alumnus Lynn Fausett about issues of global business ethics within the African diamond industry on Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. in the UVU Library auditorium, room 120.

Fausett’s book, “Crimes of Humanity,” was released six months ago and details issues regarding the wars in Africa surrounding diamonds, gold, oil and other abundant resources. The lecture is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the UVU Center for the Study of Ethics.

Following the presentation, a faculty panel, including UVU faculty members Phil Gordon, David McArthur and John McFarlane will explore the interdisciplinary and global impacts of exportation of products from poor African nations.

Initially, Fausett traveled to Liberia to dredge for gold at the bottom of rivers in the border region of Liberia and Sierra Leone. He was soon promoted as an overseer of Africa operations. Adept at administration, communication and politics, he learned that few ethics or morals accompanied business practices in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

In two separate ventures deep into Liberia, Fausett found that laborers were exploited as well as the communities within states that had the large mineral deposits. Politicians took large payments while businesses exported large amounts of diamonds, gold, hardwoods and other natural resources.

“The poor remain poor. There is little effort to improve quality of life or develop an understanding of environmental impacts based on business practices,” Fausett said.

Fausett graduated from UVU 25 years ago and has served two terms on the UVU Alumni Board.  He resides in Provo with his wife, Jenny Faucett. His second book, “The Liberian Way,” was recently published by Jenpress. Both books will be available at the lecture.

Lynn Fausett

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About UVU

Utah Valley University is located in Orem, Utah, and is home to more than 30,000 students. UVU began as a vocational school during World War II, and in the seven decades since has evolved into a technical school, community school, state college and, finally, a comprehensive regional teaching university. UVU is one of Utah’s largest institutions of higher learning and offers programs ranging from career training to high-demand master degrees, with emphasis on undergraduate education.