Message from Ambassador Zuckerman on the Centennial Celebration of Babeş-Bolyai University
Monday, February 3, 2020
It is an honor for me to participate in the centennial celebration of Babeş-Bolyai University. I regret I am unable to be with you in person, but please know I am with you in spirit.
Although the roots of higher education in Cluj date back to the Jesuit college founded in 1581, it was exactly 100 years ago when King Ferdinand presided over the official creation of what was to become Babeş-Bolyai University, one of the top universities in Romania with more than 40,000 students and a long list of illustrious alumni.
From Mathematics to Theater and Film, from Theology to Business, students from all over Romania come here to learn from the best. The contributions of those who have passed through these doors, such as President Iohannis, Laura Kövesi and the many other graduates have made Romania and the world a better place. Those of you here today, and those who are yet to follow in your footsteps, will take your place in history, society and in the modern Romanian Renaissance.
The University faculty also have a profound responsibility to mentor, educate and shape the minds of students. More importantly, faculty must help students develop their passions, teach them to learn on their own, help them think for themselves and provide them with the tools they will need to create an even brighter future.
I assure you that President Trump and the people of the United States will continue to partner with and assist Romania as it continues on its path to excellence and achievement.
One example of our partnership, our Fulbright Program, has strengthened the ties between our two countries. Since the Fulbright program was established in Romania, 55 faculty and students from Cluj have studied and researched at American institutions. We also have three Americans right now at Babeş-Bolyai to learn from you, and perhaps you from them: Dr. Mary Clarie Heffron from the Wright Institute in California; Professor Michael Harking from the University of Wyoming; and Micahel Mercado from the University of Iowa. They join the 68 other American Fulbrighters who have come to Cluj over the years to share knowledge, create partnerships and perhaps most importantly, brought our two countries closer together on a human level.
I must also recognize Rector Pop for his service on the Fulbright Board of Directors last year. Many thanks for your contributions in supporting this important program, which I am sure will continue to be a cornerstone of our relationship in the future.
(in Romanian) În încheiere, doresc să vă felicit pentru cei 100 de ani de activitate şi, în numele preşedintelui Trump şi al poporului american, să vă urez alţi 100 de ani de excelenţă academică în pregătirea viitoarelor generaţii de lideri în domeniile artei, ştiinţei şi industriei. Vă mulţumesc.
