From left, Robert Handy, Portland State University professor Laura Robson, Janet Ward and COM professor Dr. Steven Sewell.

Dr. Laura Robson, an associate professor of Middle Eastern history at Portland State University, provided insights into the Islamic awakening to students, faculty and the community March 4.

The Yale graduate’s lecture was the latest installment of the Robert T. Handy lecture series, which seeks to educate COM students and the community on world affairs. Robert Handy, of Dickinson, funds the series each semester.