Anniversaries are something celebrated in American culture. The past two days I have been able to witness an anniversary in the culture I now live in. South East European University was 10 years old! Over the two days there were visitors from around the world, recognition of supporters and those who helped start the university, a statue unveiling and of course some great food.
On Friday- the anniversary celebration included the handing out of watches to people who had been at the university since it’s beginning in 2001. Although I have not been a part of the universities journey, I felt the nostalgia and pride. Each of these individuals who received the recognition (in addition others who joined the university staff over the years) took on a challenge to create the first opportunity for students to attend higher education using the Albanian language. They took this on and have created what today is a flourishing university that celebrates 10 years today. Pretty amazing- it is awesome what a few inspired people can do.
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| Friday's recognitions |
Saturday’s ceremony included representatives from all of the countries that supported the universities beginnings and continue to support today. One of the greatest country supports came from the United States. This was key for the university but was also a step for the US, since SEE-U was the first European University that the US had aided in this fashion. In addition to the countries being recognized the Rectors of the other Universities in Macedonia, Kosovo and Tirana Albania were recognized for their partnership and support. Getting to sit in a room where people from so many countries, ethnicities, and cultures were coming together for a single cause was truly amazing. Following the indoor ceremony all in attendance walked to the Administration Building for an unveiling of a statue of the late Max van der Stole. He was the original visionary for the university and passed away just last winter. His son and daughter were there to speak and unveil the statue of their father. The events of the past two days are ones that have made a lasting impression upon me. In a time of turmoil and struggling in the country (2001) was born this university that has brought people together from all over the world.
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| Statue of Max van der Stoel |
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| Rector Dika speaking |
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| The table at the front of the ceremony |
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| Cassidy, Vesna and I after the ceremony |
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| Out front of the administration building |
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The front of the administration building
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| food from the cocktail party - GREAT STUFF! |
Lesson: Over the past 10 years, the common goal of higher education was able to bring together groups of people that had been divided. Education has done this all over the world, and will continue to do the same. Not just in building universities, but becoming educated citizens of the world.
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