Delegation celebrates 50 years of collaboration with Krakow University of Economics

In 2018, Diana Lawson, dean of the Seidman College of Business, and Elzbieta Kubinska, professor and director of KUE's Institute of Finance, collaborated on new programs and exchanges, including bringing a cohort of MBA students to Poland each year to learn from faculty and the country's business leaders.

Lawson said the recent collaboration expanded Seidman's mentoring program to KUE. "Five Seidman student mentors served as mentors to five KUE students over the last year," she said. "We are fortunate to have the Seidman students travel to Krakow to participate in these celebrations."

For her efforts, Lawson will receive an award, KUE's University Order, during the jubilee celebration.

Kate Stoetzner, executive director of the Padnos International Center, gave remarks during the 50th anniversary event that included detailing how Grand Valley has changed over the past five decades. Enrollment in 1975 was 7,340 and students, she said, were mostly traditional college age and used typewriters and card catalogs for assignments.

"While we celebrate the changes and growth in the past 50 years, we should hold steadfast to our cooperation and shared understanding that universities challenge students intellectually, expand their perspectives and promote independence," Stoetzner said.

Robert Smart, vice provost for Research Administration, read a proclamation from U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten. Kubinska recited a poem by Poland's Wislawa Szymborska; Mark Schaub, dean of the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, then read the poem by the Nobel Laureate in English.

The universities exchanged artwork and leaders signed a renewal agreement, extending the partnership for another five years.