DAVENPORT — The St. Ambrose Middle East Institute (MEI) is hosting an free informational reception Sept. 17, from 5-7 p.m at the Figge Art Museum. In addition, MEI Director Ryan Dye, along with members of the MEI Advisory Council, will be on hand to receive input about future programming. MEI is devoted to the study and discussion of one of the world’s most geopolitically important regions. Initial funding has been provided by the Adler-Schermer Foundation. For more information, contact Ryan Dye at (563) 333-6389 or DyeRyanD@sau.edu, or go to www.sau.edu/mei.