Grand Valley celebrates long-standing international partner

A Grand Valley delegation traveled to Poland in late May to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Cracow University of Economics and a long-standing international partnership.

CUE is Grand Valley's oldest international partner. President Emeritus Arend D. Lubbers signed the initial partner agreement with CUE officials 40 years ago.

Lubbers traveled with the delegation that included President Thomas J. Haas, Provost Gayle R. Davis and Mark Schaub, chief international officer. Schaub said the original signers of the agreement, Lubbers and then-Rector Antoni Fajferek, attended a special dinner honoring that event.

CUE leaders also presented Haas with an honorary doctoral degree. Schaub said this is only the 30th time in the history of CUE they have presented an honorary doctorate. Lubbers is also an honorary doctorate recipient.

Haas gave a presentation during the special convocation ceremony and signed a new five-year agreement with CUE.

Highlights of the 40-year partnership:

• 1975: Grand Valley faculty members Christine Rydel and Ezra Gearhart, plus members of the Grand Rapids Polish Heritage Society, travel to Poland to establish further contacts in Krakow.

• 1978: First CEU faculty scholar visits Grand Valley.

• 1981: Lubbers presents honorary doctorate to Rector Antoni Fajferek at Grand Valley commencement.

• 1989: Lubbers receives CUE honorary doctorate.

• 2005: 30th year of partnership, more than 275 Grand Valley students have studied at CUE. Begin exchange between Master's of Public Administration programs, two CUE graduate students come to Grand Valley to complete MPA degrees.

• 2008: STAIR (Studies in Trans-Atlantic International Relations) program begins. Students from both universities can obtain dual degrees, increased opportunities for faculty exchanges. Program jointly funded by the U.S. Department of Education and the European Union.

• 2013: Funding for STAIR program ends.

• 2015: Haas receives honorary doctorate and signs new five-year agreement.