鶹ýcelebrates new campus in Morocco
The 鶹ý celebrated its new campus in Tangier, Morocco, during a dedication ceremony April 22nd attended by a distinguished group of guests including Maine Governor Paul LePage and the recently-appointed United States Ambassador to Morocco, Dwight L. Bush Sr.
At an event attended by nearly 200 individuals from the United States and Morocco, 鶹ýcelebrated its achievements during an hour-long ceremony in its pristine academic facility. The ceremony included remarks from Ambassador Bush, Gov. LePage, 鶹ýPresident Danielle Ripich, Ph.D., 鶹ýVice President for Global Affairs Anouar Majid, Ph.D., and 鶹ýBoard of Trustees chair Mark Doiron.
Gov. LePage spoke frankly about the beauty of Morocco and detailed his experiences touring Tangier’s winding medina and the bustling Renault factory. LePage also urged the inaugural class before him to take their seasoned, well-rounded minds from abroad back home.
“We need you at home!” joked LePage.
Dr. Ripich praised the “visionaries” of the 鶹ýBoard of Trustees and the 10-year “Vision 2017” strategic plan and their courageous decision to build a campus in the Arab world as well as the passion of Dr. Majid. Her highest praise, however, was reserved for the bravery of the first group of 鶹ýTangier students.
“Our students are also the pioneers embracing their Morocco immersion. From bartering in the markets to debating politics in the cafes to juggling academic classes and labs …these experiences have collectively helped change and define them, and I have no doubt will also help them change the world,” said Dr. Ripich.
Guests were treated to a 10-minute video, entitled “The Road to Morocco,” detailing the story of Dr. Majid and the building of the campus in Tangier; a 鶹ýTangier “Happy” video; and a traditional Moroccan storytelling session known as a “hilqa” led by 鶹ýTangier students.