“I am very glad, to deliver this lecture today at the university, which I consider as the best University of Albanians," said at the beginning of the lecture, Ambassador Çejku.

Further in his lecture he deepened in the historical aspects of the declaration of independence of Albania, political moment and made a comparison with the current situation of Albanians in the Balkans.

He spoke about the importance and the political and historical vision of all patriots who knew to assess at the right moment and declare the independence of Albania.

Ambassador Çejku urged all students and other researchers to further deepen in their studies of history and to contribute to the fulfillment of all the historical facts related to this very important date of the Albanian national history.

The lecture was followed by a study conversation, between the ambassador and the audience in the hall.

The French delegation was hosted by the SEE University Pro-Rector for Research, Prof. Dr. Blerim Reka, who informed the guests about the latest developments of the University. Pro-Rector Reka said that such meetings help to intensify the cooperation between our University and French universities in the fields of common interest.

Mr. Fournier, who is currently conducting a tour of the Balkan countries, showed interest in recent developments in the university and Macedonia in general.  He stressed the message to increase institutional cooperation with French universities.

SEEU’s Rector Prof. Dr. Zamir Dika, declared the Fair opened and mentioned that the career fair is an opportunity to help the young generation to find a job and that the fair will serve as an opportunity where all students can become familiar with employees from the country.

“Our data indicates that over 50 percent of our university graduates manage to become employed within one year, while 13 percent of them manage to find jobs before graduating. From the beginning, SEEU has understood the importance of skills and competencies which are provided to our students -our graduates, in order to be more acquainted and successful with meeting labour market challenges," said Rector Dika.

The Career Fair provides a good opportunity for students to meet with potential employers, where they can discuss employment possibilities, or to be engaged as apprentices and to discuss the suitability of their qualifications and skills with labour market requirements or the company concerned.

The Career Fair is organized annually by the SEEU Career Centre.

The purpose of this meeting wasto listen to ideas and challenges that students are facing and to get the support needed in order to continue with such success. Students were delighted by the interest of the President but at the same time they revealed the problems that they face in their everyday life.

“The concrete problem is where we will be after graduating from the Faculty, because one year later we will complete our studies, and, as you can see that the majority of students go out of the country; I think our country will be emptied, as an old proverb says, better to be the first in thevillage than last in the city” – said Arjeta Rexhepi, SEEU student.

“The first point is our employment, this is a problem that has occurred with previous generations as well, but we will raise this problem oncemore” – said Venhar Ramadani.

“We have the honour to talk with the President of our country, however, I believe that the President is honoured as well because he is talking with the future of this country, if I could ask you something, it would be your affirmation at the highest level for the elimination of nepotism in all structures of the State”, – said the SEEU student, Liridona Veliu.

President, Ivanov plans to have such meetings with other universities in the country, where the importance of education as a priority for Macedonia will be emphasized.

SEEU Faculty of Law students lead by the Dean Prof. Dr. IsmailZejneli, Pro-dean Doc. Dr. Jeton Shasivari and professors: Prof. Dr. Asllan Bilalli and Prof. Dr. Adnan Jashari, conducted a study visit to Germany last week, where they visited both houses of the German Parliament in Berlin, the Bundestagand the Bundesrat and were informed about the history, organization, composition, powers and parliamentary legislative procedures. Also in Hamburg they visited the Faculty of Law, where by the Pro-dean Prof. Dr. Thomas Eger, students were introduced to the master study programs, study manner, lectures and exams in this Faculty. Students attended a lecture by the professor from the Faculty of Law in Seoul (South Korea) Prof. Dr. Ko Hakso titled: "The Legal Aspects of Data Protection and Privacy on the Internet.”

In Hamburg they visited the Institute of Comparative Law and Private International Law "Max Plank", its representative, Krista Jesell, Natasha Haxhimanoviq and Fjoralba Caka-Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law in Tirana, who is following doctoral studies at this institution, presented three key aspects of the activity of this Institute: practice, research and programs for cooperation with law faculties around the world. Representatives of both institutions agreed to make an agreement for using the rich literature of the Institute "Max Planck" by the master students in International Law at SEEU’s Faculty of Law.

The study visit was assessed as successful as it contributes to the expansion of European and international horizons of students and staff of SEEU Faculty of Law.

Within this event were played finals of tournaments in volleyball, tennis, basketball and football, as well as traditional games like: Pulling a rope, Sack Race, Hula-hoop, Hoop Race, Pulling a stick, Cricket which were closed by Spring Cross and Relay.

This sport event is organized by the South East European University in cooperation with two humanitarian organizations. Funds that were collected from this event were donated for charity.

Olympic Day gathered a large number of sport fans at SEEU Campus, which were greeted by Rector Dika at the opening ceremony of the event, while in the closing part the presence of the Deputy Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Macedonia Gerard McGurk made this event even bigger.

“Our University is providing a modest contribution today by joining these initiatives with a unique motto - slogan. Participate (everyone together), support (Olympic ideals) donate (buy T-shirts, donate money, pay for not wearing sportswear)”, said Rector Dika.

The best participants were awarded with medals.

This event was officially opened by SEEU’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Zamir Dika, who said that the university supported this project from the very first idea, since this topic is related to the university's strategic plan – that is the tendency of the University to become a third generation university.

“During this weekend, we will review academic experience in the field of entrepreneurship, hear successful company practices from entrepreneurs and students will be the centre of all these activities, in order to provide them with the skills essential not only for their personal careers, but also representing an important element that will be a guarantee for the progress of our society” said Rector Dika.

“Entrepreneurship requires business innovation and ideas that are fresh, in order to produce economic goods in the best economical way. Therefore, precisely education is the main chain that should be taught to think in the entrepreneurial spirit," said the Minister of Economy of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Valon Sarqini. 

SEEU’s Pro-Rector for Entrepreneurship, Prof. Dr. Abdylmenaf Bexheti awarded certificates to the students who participated in the program "Elaboration and Implementation of Business Plan.”

Participants from the business community in this activity included  Mr. Shefki Idrizi, owner of the company RENOVA, Mr. Muharem Murtezani owner of the company ALMA -М, Skopje, Mr. Xhemail Dauti owner of the company DAUTI KOMERC and Mr. Beqir Çerkezi owner of the company of ALPINA – NB – Tetovo.

On Saturday, students were informed about the way of creating a business plan, while the students for the best business idea were rewarded by the Minister of Education and Science Mr. Pançe Kralev and Minister of Economy Mr. Valon Saraqini.

The South East European University in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Macedonia, from 27 to 29 April 2012will organize the "Weekend of Entrepreneurship", where our students will have the opportunity to shape their business ideas and eventually to convert into concrete business.

Students will have the opportunity to apply on the website www.osmelise.mk no later than 22.04.2012 and complete their ideas in groups of 2-4 members. Number of groups is limited to 12 and if there apply more than the foreseen number there will be a selection.

The group that will offer the best business idea will be rewarded with four smart-phones  Samsung Galaxy pro b5510, donation from Makedonski Telekom, as well as online "SkillSoft" training package from the SEEU Business Development Centre.

In this event will be present representatives of the SEEU Rectorate, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Macedonia, Economic Chambers, media representatives, entrepreneurs and guests.

First and second cycle South East European University students are encouraged to apply with their ideas and win numerous awards.

For more detailscontact Veland Ramadani in following e-mail: v.ramadani@seeu.edu.mk

The audience consisted of representatives from all faculties, and the workshop was part of SEEU’s ongoing commitment to continuous education and training.

This seminar provided instructors with an overview of plagiarism detection techniques, and suggested methods for dealing with caught plagiarists in a responsible and formal manner. The intention behind the workshop was to provide specific, precise assistance to instructors to enable them to prevent, to detect, and when necessary to punish, plagiarism. 

This workshop was one of an ongoing series of quality-assurance seminars being provided to the academic and administrative staff of South East European University. 

The purpose of these studies is to cover the gap at postgraduate formal education among civil society organizations (CSOs) and foundations, their employees, activists and volunteers, staff in international institutions, donor agencies and government sector, but also cooperate with the civil sector, in order to improve their knowledge and skills to strengthen civil society, with special emphasis in the process of building an effective democracy in Macedonia and region of Southeast Europe.

“The postgraduate study programme Civil Society Development is a new second cycle study programme offered by SEEU Faculty of Public Administration and Political Sciences, which is designed by the proposal of the Faculty external evaluator Professor William Dunn from the University of Pittsburgh, USA, in partnership with the Centre for Institutional Development", said Prof. dr. Elena Andreevska, Dean of the Faculty PA&PS.

Prof. Dr  Zamir Dika , Rector of South East European University  stated the arguments according to which  this study program fulfils all the expectations for competitiveness on a global level that makes him enthusiast  for this new study program –“Civil Society Development”. The program is a result of the process of evaluation of study programs at the University by the eminent world experts in the field of public administration and political sciences and the same is designed in cooperation with the most successful organizations in Macedonia and in the region in the  field of non-governmental organizations  –Center for Institutional Development (CID).

According to Zoran Stojkovski ,Executive director of CID, the program and the proposed courses  of the Master studies for civil society are tailored to respond to the developmental  needs of every  civil organization in Macedonia and in the region and they will contribute to the development of skills for  work which respond to the midterm and long term challenges faced  by associations, foundations and volunteers  who want to be directly introduced  with the civil sector. “The influence and role of civil sector in the Western Balkan countries, although weaker from the other sectors is important in the aspect of  building effective democracy and development in the countries in the region and  for  aspirations for EU integration”

The Master studies will start in the academic year 2012/2013

The purpose of the Open Days is to inform prospective studentsand their parents about the study opportunities provided by SEEU, starting fromstudy programmes, study conditions, faculty infrastructure, informationtechnology, etc.

The SEEU Adviser to the Rector for Public Relations, Mr. DemushBajrami, said that during the "Open Days", each Faculty will have itsday to present their offer to prospective students.

“So it is about a whole week of commitments, where each Facultyseparately will present its offer for the focus groups that visit SEEU. Mondayis reserved for the Faculty of Business and Economics, Tuesday for the Facultyof Contemporary Sciences and Technologies, Wednesday for the Faculty of Languages,Cultures and Communication, and Thursday for  the Faculty of Law andFaculty of Public Administration and Political Science. In this context I wantto mention the university study programmes in the English language as a modelfor a different working environment and development strategy within SEEU"-said among other things Demush Bajrami.

SEE University offers study programs in English in cooperationwith prestigious international universities. For the academic year 2012/2013,SEEU will provide 146 scholarships for students. Another part of the financialassistance is the programme "Work & Study” where, like other yearsduring this academic year, about 100 students will benefit.

This book treats the issue of small business and entrepreneurship as key pillars in any national economy and offers readers a clearer picture about small business, strengths and weaknesses, and respectively, benefits, challenges and problems arising from owning and managing a small business, ways of organizing a business, innovative efforts to deal with competition, identifying and seeking solutions in order to avoid dangerous situations in the business operation, entrepreneurs continuous struggle to find adequate sources and ways for launching good products and services in market and consumer information for benefits from them. The book is intended for students, academic staff and managers. The editors of this book, Prof.Dr. Nasir Selimi and Prof. Dr. Izet Zeqiri evaluated this book as a model of a contemporary book from the field of business and entrepreneurship.

The co-author of the book, Asst. Prof. Dr. Veland Ramadani said: "In this very dynamic time, followed by big turbulence it is quite difficult to be an entrepreneur, to initiate and manage business activities, to challenge the future. However, the entrepreneurial spirit is one that transforms obstacles into opportunities, if any opportunity gets away without being used, it requires another. Not surprisingly, a world famous entrepreneur, Richard Branson may have said it best: "Business opportunities are like buses, there's always another one coming'. Then, we know that this road is full of risks and potential opportunities to fail. Winston Churchill advises us that success can be achieved even if we go from failure to failure, but with the condition not to lose enthusiasm, or, in trying to be successful, the desire for success should be greater than the fear of failure.

Prof. Dr. Bobek Shuklev, co-author, in his speech said that this book comes as a product of15 years cooperation with Asst. Prof. Dr. Veland Ramadani and the combination of the four author’s epithets - experience, professionalism, energy and commitment have made ​​this book substantive and qualitative. 

Asst. Prof. Dr. Veland Ramadani is a lecturer at the Faculty of Business and Economics at SEEU and Prof. Dr. Bobek Shuklev is a lecturer at the Faculty of Economics at Kiril and Methodius University in Skopje and member of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Italy. This is the 32^nd book of Prof. Dr. Bobek Shuklev and the 8^th book of Asst. Prof. Dr. Veland Ramadani.

Ms. Weeks is President and CEO of Womenable a for-profit social enterprise that works to enable women’s entrepreneurship worldwide by improving the systems –laws, policies, programs and research-based knowledge – that support women’s enterprise creation and growth.

The SEEU International Relations Office coordinated this event along with the United States Embassy in Skopje.

Thus, in the fair there were the German, Australian, Albanian, English, Turkish, Macedonian, American tents, including others. During the fair, the names of high school students that participated in the Best Essay Contestin English were made ​​public.

Luiza Zeqiri, professor at the Language Centre, said that the aim of the fair is for students to get acquainted with the culture, dress, and traditional foods of each other and other countries. According to her, thisevent was a good opportunity to announce the winners of the competition for thebest essay in English. The winners of this competition were: Kristijan Rusu-highschool - "Gostivar", Naziktere Ramadani - "Nace Bugjoni",Eljesa Zeqiri - "Zef Lush Marku" and Learta Jusufi -"KirilPejcinovic."

The presence of high school students from all over Macedonia has made this eventeven more important.

As a former analyst of the International Crisis Group, American Institute for Peace and former diplomat of the U.S. State Department, Brenda Pearson shared her experiences regarding the issues of governance, policy analysis, international communications, communication and conflict, conflict management and political processes with SEEU Communication Sciences students. 

The meeting was opened by SEEU’s Rector, who said that "the campus where you have studied is developing in terms of a long-term goal – that of becoming the first Eco campus in the region of Southeast Europe.”

The focus in the current period is to strengthen research capacities in universities - with the establishment of two institutes, and coordination of applicable research with growing entrepreneurial initiatives to help economic and technological development in the region, to help companies and society in general - here where we live. So this is the way of commitment to our mission, being a third generation university.

“I want to inform you about the fact that slowly, but surely, your university is turning into a tailored service university, with information systems applications for class management for adequate provision of services on the web, as well for effective decision making," said Rector  Prof. Dr. Zamir Dika.

SEEU Alumni from Kosovo were greeted by the President of the SEEU Board, Prof. Dr. Dennis Farrington, who expressed satisfaction with the interest shown. He said such meetings unite students and assist in the exchange of experience.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Education, Science and Technology of Kosovo Mr. Ramë Buja, as well.

On this occasion, Minister Buja said that he feels very honoured to attend this very sympathetic meeting of this institution.

"It is pleasure to be among the students who have completed a cycle of studies, who are aware about other cycles and have plans for the next cycle," said Minister Buja.

 "This makes me very happy that I am meeting people who are knowledgeable, and there is nothing more charming. You are now seriously contributing in all segments of Kosovo and this is very special," said among other things, Minister Ramë Buja.

It is expected that the meeting with SEEU Alumni from Kosovo to become a traditional meeting for all generations.

This agreement provides a framework of a joint education partnership and comprehensive joint implementation plan that supports education vision for transformation. It is a tailored agreement between SEEU and Microsoft outlining a selection of mutually agreed-upon programs and solutions that offer the tools and support to achieve the stated education.

The focus of this Agreement is on the one hand to use certain software technologies and on the other hand, through certain programs students to be engaged in some of Microsoft's global activities.

This agreement is expected to provide higher quality education to students, who after completion of studies will be immediately able to participate in the labour market.

The author Ramë Buja, spoke about the importance of events, which are treated in the book, saying that he hopes that this book, among others, would be a good basis for future scholars of this period and thus they can reflect on this period, based on numerous facts we possess.

“I do not claim that I have tried to exhaust the whole matter, but I have said what I have thought, what I have found in archives, documents that I have consulted," said Mr. Buja.

Blerim Reka, SEEU’s Pro-rector for Research, said that the author by combining knowledge and experience, theory and empirical scientific facts, and also his personal involvement, provides a scientific analysis of political developments in Kosovo and transition from 20th into 21stcentury.

 “The book addresses one of the most dramatic periods of Balkan history, the recent dissolution of the last Slavic, communist empire and the birth of newest European state, the birth of a creature of the natural state of Prishtina, onthe ruins of an artificial creature of Versailles," said Prof. Reka.

According to  Demush Bajrami, MA, this book tells the truth that is important to know as it was, becominga reliable source of scientific evidence. Moreover, Prof. Buja with accuracy reflects the processes that ledto the disintegration of Yugoslavia, the role of the international communityand Kosovo's declaration ofindependence.

Prof.Dr. Ali Pajaziti, the book reviewer, among others said that the book "Kosovo in the Yugoslav Crisis" represents an area of scientific analysis of the Albanian odysseys in the end of the second millennium.

The book in, seven chapters, includes facto-graphic and academic elements dealing with the process of Kosovo's Statehood in different stages, including the KLA fighting and the Rambouillet Conference.

The opening speech was made by the SEEU Pro-rector for Research,Prof. Dr. Blerim Reka, who welcomed the cooperation between SEEU and theMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia, especially having in mind the factthat Prof. Reka himself is a former diplomat and professor, and SEEU was chosenfor the place where this lecture was held.

The main lecture was delivered by Ambassador Ivon on the topic"Organization of the Foreign Office - Practice and Experience.” He spokeabout the historical development of the British diplomatic service, currentarrangements and changes that this service has experienced.

This successful initiative is expected to result with amemorandum of understanding between SEEU and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The panel participants included: Representative of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Priest Igor Kalpakovski, Head of the Bektashi Community of Macedonia, Dede Edmond Brahimaj, Vice Chairman of the State Committee on Relations with Religious Communities and Groups, Anton Sereci, Head of the UNESCO Project Office in Skopje, Ms. Zojka Naskova, SEEU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Paul Foster. The topics discussed focused on thehumanistic values that religions bring to the society: the inter-cultural and intra-cultural aspects and the cohesion between the religious values and international human rights, and the promotion of inter-cultural dialogue in Macedonia. 

The South Eastern University Provost, Dr. Paul Foster opened the panel by saying that “diversity is a strength, this is the motto of our University. SEEU is proud to host this conference that will serve as a tool to foster mutual trust and inter-religious dialogue in society.” Priest Igor Kalpakovski, among other things discussed that this conference serves as a great opportunity to discuss the recent interethnic and interreligious events that have occurred in Macedonia, and share opinions and ideas with young people and students in order to go beyond the conflict and promote dialogue and understanding. Dede Edmond Brahimaj, head of the Bektashi community in Macedonia spoke about the importance of religious and interethnic dialogue and gave a few examples on how religion can foster intercultural dialogue. Zojka Noskova, head of the UNESCO Project Office in Skopje stated that the goals of UNESCO’s Interreligious Dialogue Programme are to promote dialogue among different religions, spiritual and humanistic traditions in a world and it stresses the reciprocal interactions and influences between, on the one hand, religious, spiritual and humanistic traditions, and on the other, the need to promote understanding between them in order to challenge ignorance and prejudices and foster mutual respect. Whereas Anton Sereci, Vice president of the State Commission on Relations between Religious Communities in Macedonia, concluded that there should be more dialogue and understanding between different religious communities in Macedonia.

At the end of the debate, Ms. Zojka Naskova instructed the students participating in the event to take a look at the UN Human Rights Convention and explore the connections between human rights and religion. She asked the students to write essays about the relationship between human rights and religion, and the best essay would be published on the web-page of the Center for Intercultural Dialogue, SEEU and on the website of UNESCO.

“The celebration of Teacher’s Day at the national level serves to evaluate the best traditions of the Albanian school, no doubt the honourable figure of the teacher, but also all educational workers as educators of the young generation and as active contributors to development and progress of the Albanian society. Each of us has in their hearts the monument of his/her teacher. Albanian teachers at any time in the each province were not just education professionals, but first and foremost patriots and emancipated people, idealistic, humanitarian and artists from various fields. Although they were not rewarded as they deserved, they worked in difficult conditions, away in remote areas, to with stand risks, ignorance and canon, but despite this, they remained true to their noble mission of educating future generations" was said in the lecture devoted to the history of this central date.

SEEU’s Rector Prof. Dr. Zamir Dika, after thanking the Student Union for the organization and cooperation and for their work they are doing in service to students, said:

“Today is Teacher’s Day. This date is celebrated on the day when all of us, on behalf of the profession, are trying to promote international standards for a quality education to the younger generation. Without doubt, this day is devoted to the role of teachers in providing appropriate knowledge to younger generation.”  According to Rector Dika, we should be aware that we must build confidence in educational institutions, since, in these institutions, knowledge and training is acquired. Rector Dika used this opportunity to congratulate this important day and to ensure that the South East European University will continue to foster and promote the reputation of teachers and their status in society.

Meanwhile, the President of the SEEU Student Union, Pajtim Thaci, congratulated this holiday to all teachers, wishing them success in their work and encouraged them to work even harder in educating the younger generation. He also welcomed the ranking of SEEU according to the Shanghai list, where SEEU was listed second at the country level and thanked the students for their support.

The Rector’s Advisor for PR and Communication Demush Bajrami, MA said that this is an important date for the whole Albanian education because it marks the efforts of Albanian scholars to develop and promote a genuine Albanian school.

“This day coincides with the vision of Albanian scholars and renaissance, which together with other progressive peoples of the Balkans, saw education as a race in which, the rude person no longer wins, but the most educated one, the uncivilized no longer wins, but the most cultured one. The mission of March 7 remains current even today”, said Demush Bajrami. The main lecture at this manifestation was delivered by the Pro-dean of the Faculty of Languages, Cultures and Communication, Prof. Dr. Hamit Xhaferi, who made a retrospective of the development of the Albanian school, since 7 March 1887 until today. “During this time, although faced with many difficulties, it has managed to achieve its mission of education and patriotism. The Albanian Contemporary School is a continuation of the first Albanian school regarding this mission. SEE University has a similar mission, with a European and American orientation", said among other things in his lecture, Pro-dean Hamit Xhaferi.

Mr. Stuggins is visiting Macedonia as one of the leaders of the Macedonian Green Growth and Climate Analytic and Advisory support program, financed by the Governments of Sweden and Norway and supported by the World Bank. 

Mrs. Stuggins and his team also visited the Institute for Environment and Health and were briefed on the SEEU Climate Action Plan and future plans.

SEEU has hosted this event via the SEEU Public Information Centre (PIC) in cooperation with the World Bank Office in Skopje.

This competition is one of the many activities that marks the 100th Anniversary of Independence Day of the Republic of Albania and Flag Day. Skiers from several universities in Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo participated in this competition. The absolute winner of this competition was Dardan Dehari (Tetovo, Macedonia) for the men’s category and Dorina Mema (Peja, Kosovo) was the winner for the women's category.

Macedonia’s Deputy Prime-Minister Mr. Musa Xhaferri, on behalf of the Council for Marking the 100th - Anniversary of Independence, said that a series of activities for marking this important date are scheduled during this year. SEEU’s Pro-rector for Research Prof. Dr. Blerim Reka, mentioned his hope that the contest would become traditional in the future, in which the Flag Cup would be awarded again. 

On behalf of the University of Prishtina the competition was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Mujë Rugova, Rector of the University who said that this event brings and binds Albanians to be more united and become hard workers. Marina Tasho, competitor from the University of Korça, who was ranked third in this competition, said that she felt very proud that she participated at this jubilee competition and for the prize that she won. “I felt extremely proud and I became tearful”, said Tasho.

In team competition, first place in this competition went to the city of Tetova, Peja came second, while in the third place was city of Korça.

The organizers awarded gratitude to all participants and special recognition was awarded to the youngest competitor from Peja - Arba Popovci.

The Koç University delegation was accompanied by Ms. Muteber Sankazan, the Culture and Information attaché of the Turkish Embassy in Macedonia.

Both universities, with roots as foundation based universities with a not-for-profit status, discussed potential cooperation in joint activities and student exchange and were the main points of the meeting with SEEU’s Rector Prof. Dr. Zamir Dika and SEEU’s Head of the International Relations Office Mr. Luan Eshtrefi.

 SEEU seeks to collaborate with more reputable universities as part of its internationalization strategy for the coming years.

 In the opening of the promotion meeting, the expert of circumstances at the time and former MP, Demush Bajrami said that 2001 brought into light the Albanian leadership, which gave evidence of unity in the most difficult moments of the conflict. "Here, I mean the three political and military leaders of that time, Arben Xhaferi, Ali Ahmeti and Ymer Ymer," said Bjarami.   

 “South East European University is a projection of the 19th century for the 21st century. This is the vision of peace and institutional life. This was demonstrated by SEEU’s ranking in second place, among the best universities in Macedonia," said Mr. Surroi. I have written and promoted this book here, because I have to pay some debts to the Albanians from Macedonia. The first debt is the contribution of Albanians from Macedonia, who during the Kosovo war opened the doors for all Kosovo Albanians. The second debt is my contribution to the truth and the third debt is to contribute to peace. The platforms of Albanians from Macedonia have always been to be constitutional in all aspects. To what level this has been achieved remains to be analyzed. With this book, I have not tried to give the absolute truth, because it does not exist. I wanted to say things in which I was the protagonist and the things that I know or have had information about.

The analyst Rizvan Sulejmani, said that book is written in a very easy language and acceptable for everyone. What characterizes the book is its symbolism, such as the title of the book itself.

The analyst Sefer Tahiri said that the book has a wide range publicity analysis and seeks to open more debates about current issues.

The book “Butterfly Book” of the author Veton Surroi makes an in-depth analysis of the relevant factors that lead to the conflict of 2001 in Macedonia.

On this occasion, the Ambassador of Albania to Macedonia, HE Arben Çejku, congratulated Rector Dika for its ranking of this university.

“The news that SEEU is ranked second in the Republic of Macedonia marks a moment of joy and inspiration not only to you, professors and students, but also for the friends of the university. This assessment is the most beautiful gift that the university brings to all of us for the 100th Anniversary of the Independence of Albania and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Macedonia," said Ambassador Çejku in his letter.

The letter also states that this act will motivate SEEU to move forward in dealing with new challenges to achieve further success in increasing the strength and credibility of this institution.

“I believe that internal reforms, inter-university cooperation that you have with other universities from Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, the region and beyond, will continue to bring success. In this context, I want to reaffirm that the support from Albania will be present and I want to express my satisfaction for the new spirit of cooperation between universities from Macedonia and Albania,” stated among other things in his letter,  Ambassador Arben Çejku.

SEEU’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Zamir Dika thanked Ambassador Çejku and Albania for the support given.

“On my behalf and on behalf of all staff and students of SEEU, I would like to thank you and the State of the Republic of Albania for its contribution and support given in our journey towards meeting future challenges of offering qualitative education to new generations. The support expressed on this event makes us proud to continue our efforts to maintain and further cultivate already existing results," stated among others Rector Dika in his letter of thanks sent to Ambassador Çejku.

The ranking was announced on Friday (17 February 2012), by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Macedonia.

The process is done in line with the Berlin Principles for ranking higher education institutions. According to the quality research of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, SEEU has been ranked second in the whole country. The ranking is based on the facts that are fulfilled criteria for higher evaluation calculated in percentage. Ranking stimulates competition among institutions of higher education and provides important information regarding the status of the higher education institution for employers, economy, students and partents. 

In order to download the whole list, see the following link: http://www.shanghairanking.com/Macedonian_HEIs_Ranking/index.html.

The workshop is organized by South East European University-Tetovo CST Faculty and FINKI-Skopje University. Right on participation in this workshop have 20 students from SEEU and 20 students from St. Cyril and Methodious- Skopje from 2nd and 3rd year of studies.

Within this workshop well known professors will have presentations:

• Prof. Roderick Beaumont, PhD, CST, SEEU
• Prof. Vladimir Trajkovic, PhD, FINKI, UKIM
• Viktor Stevkovski, EIN-SOF
• Adrian Besimi, MSc, CST, SEEU
• Fidan Limani, MSc, CST, SEEU
• prof. Ljupco Antovski, PhD, FINKI, UKIM
• Nikola Georgiev, MSc, Seavus
• Shpend Imeri, ADI

Students that will pass the exam prepared especially for this workshop will gain 3 credits that additionally will be recognized by respective faculties

According to the author, the book comes at time when the interest about literature is dwindling. The book addresses themes of cultural and moral values exhaustion ​​in the city of Skopje. Avni Halimi, one of the book editors, said, “There is no doubt that in the Albanian writings, the author has brought a new style of writing, a style that stubbornly escapes from classical journalism, to cohabit with the essayistic style, the affinity of a genuine intellectual, who daily topics human problems will address without intellectual constraints and a language style accessible to every stratum." 

Professors Benjamin Keatinge and Lulzime Kamberi are the winners of the Award for Teaching and Learning.Projects were evaluated by the renowned professor of the University of Lund, Thomas Olsson.This is award is given for the second time at SEEU.In the field of research, Professor Brikena Xhaferri was selected researcher of the year.This award is given for the first time at our University.

During this week were held trainings in various fields such as environmental management, customer services, budget planning, research, marketing and public relations, etc.

“The purpose of this exhibition is for SEEU to be closer to the city and citizens of Tetovo”, said the Rector’s Advisor for Public Relations and Communication, Mr. Demush Bajrami.

“The exhibition is part of the celebratory activities which mark the 10th Anniversary of the University and we wanted to celebrate this together with the citizens of Tetovo”, said Bajrami.

At the opening of the exhibition, about 70 computers were donated to several primary and high schools in Tetovo, the Cultural Centre and the Library of Tetovo.

In her opening speech, the Director of the Economic High School “8 September”, Mrs. Zana Ismani, said that “SEEU doors are always open for us”.

“This is not marketing; this donation is to help a school and that to supply a whole cabinet with computers is very significant for us and our students”, said Director Ismani.

“With SEEU we have a long experience of cooperation, hopefully in the future we will implement more joint activities," said the Director of the Library of Tetovo, Ms. Fitore Rushiti.

With this activity, SEEU concludes its activities for marking the 10th Anniversary.

         SEEU’s Rector Prof. Dr. Zamir Dika thanked everyone for their contribution and work done in publishing this book. “Politics and academia have different approaches for different processes. This book presents an academic approach on the Ohrid Framework Agreement and this approach is supported by the political representatives as well,” said Rector Dika.

          The Deputy Prime-Minister for the Implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, Mr. Musa Xhaferi was present at this event and highly appreciated this book, describing it as a genuine analytical insight of the Agreement. “The Ohrid Framework Agreement is a process that began after 2001 and will continue because it is a general process of democratization of society in Macedonia and simultaneously brings closer the State and institutions to all ethnic communities in the country,” said Deputy Prime-Minister Xhaferi.

SEEU’s Pro-Rector for Research Prof. Dr. Blerim Reka, said that by publishing this book, the year-long SEEU research project in three volumes, in Albanian, Macedonian and English is finalized. “This book contains the contributions of local, regional and international diplomats and academics, and external mediators of the Ohrid Framework Agreement,” said Pro-Rector Reka.

The book is the result of a research project funded by the Secretariat for the Implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, the U.S. Embassy, British Embassy and the Embassy of Sweden.

The book contains research papers, presented at the conference organized at the South East European University Tetovo on the tenth anniversary of OFA and was attended by several signatory parties of this Agreement.

Moreover, clarification was given on the opportunities and difficulties that young people face today in their career development; Professor Bexheti thus noted that a career should always be based on quality education, bearing in mind the ever growing competition in the labour market.

After the lecture, Professor Bexheti had a meeting with the school director and her team. They discussed the current state of fourth year students who will be enrolling in universities next year.  Professor Bexheti expressed willingness to provide information about enrolment possibilities at SEEU.

159143-TEMPUS-1-2009-1-HU-TEMPUS-JPCR
Using Local Resources for Microregional Development – Sustainable Agribusiness and Tourism in the Southern Balkans

SEEU, Tetovo, 9.12.2011

At SEEU premises in Tetovo, Association of units of self government of the Republic of Macedonia (ZELS) and SEE University organized a five day training session on the topic” Using local resources for micro regional development- sustainable agribusiness and tourism in the southern Balkans. The training sessions were scheduled for 7, 9, 12, 13, and 14 December, 2011.

 The main purpose of the training was to raise the capacity of representatives from units of self government on the field of agriculture, forestry and tourism in order to secure a micro regional development.

The target groups are municipality employees within sectors of urbanism, municipality affairs, and those responsible for the environment. The trainings are part of the project Work packages that need to be performed by ZELS in cooperation with the three partner universities in Macedonia.

The participants come from the Polog and Northeast regions, as well as the municipalities of Dolneni, Struga, Debar, Zajas, Oslomej and Plasnica.

It is planned in the beginning,  civil servants preferably agricultural or business graduates or professionals, representing all Macedonian municipalities to be trained during one week, by SEEUto become trainers. Therefore,representatives, agricultural forestry and environmental officers are gathered for a 5 day training in order to become trainers and eventually to disseminate the activities further in other settlements.  After becoming trainers they will organize on their behalf training sessions in othersettlements of the Republic of Macedonia.

Therefore, the training is 5 day long and will cover different topics and will be finalised by a comprehensive exam leading to certificates for successful participants. Only successful participants may become trainers. Then in the most optimistic case the trained participants  will go as trainers to villages for educating the farmers, the landowners and the public. 1 trainer will go to 5 village centres, then, each village centre’s public administration authority is supposed to gather participants from the rest of the 3 member villages each, in order to cover the prescribed settlements of Macedonia.

Defensio dissertationis, 20.12.2011

In the conference, Artan Luma presented a paper entitled "ASYMMETRIC ENCRYPTION / DECRYPTION WITH PENTOR AND ULTRA PENTOR OPERATORS" as well as hosted and chaired the session which was hosted on Hall 3 of main building of Istanbul University in Beyazid.

This year the conference hosted presenters and attendees from all over the world who are interested in the field of Natural, Technical as well as Computer Science. In the session were presented four papers from the fields of Computer and Technical Sciences.

For more information visit the official program: http://iste-c.net/index.php?page=program

The South East European University will be a premium partner of the German National Library of Economics-Leibniz portal from Kiel. This was announced by Prof. Klaus Tochtermann, Director of the Leibniz Information Centre for Economics during his visit at SEEU.

Professor Tochtermann met SEEU managerial staff, professors and students.

It is expected that the Leibniz Information Centre for Economics will award scholarships to SEEU students.

Within this cooperation, the first steps have already been made, that is, the professional development of academic staff. Two teachers from the SEEU Faculty of Contemporary Sciences and Technologies are registered in doctoral studies at the Leibniz Information Centre for Economics and will be supervised by Professor Tochtermann.

During their presentation, representatives of the Campus France and the French Institute presented various scholarship opportunities for SEEU students that are willing to study in France.

The International Relations Office at SEEU will continue to host events that bring opportunities from foundations, associations and institutes that are offering students and staff possibilities of studying  or specializing abroad in order to widen their knowledge and be part of the academic world on the move. 

The conference was held at the same period with the European Summit in Brussels, where it was decided about the future of the European Union.

In the conference participated well known academics and scientific researchers from European Union and Europe.

Keynote speaker of the conference was Giandomenico Majone- Emeritus Professor of Public Policy European University Institute.

 In this conference the SEEU’s Pro-rector for Research Prof. Dr. Blerim Reka, presented his work on topic: “Delayed EU Enlargement in the Western Balkans”. In this paper Pro-Rector Reka explains the dilemma, whether Europe will be Europeanized before getting Balkanized. According to the paper it is important that the EU should have a more flexible approach towards enlargement with the Western Balkan countries.

A Summary of abstracts already are published and the book of conference proceedings is expected to be published early next year.

“The National Preventive Mechanism started to function from April this year and conducts its activities by observing corrective – penal facilities in the entire territory of Macedonia," said Ms. Merita Alili. 

 Observations are carried out in two ways: announced and unannounced visits to penitentiary institutions in the Republic of Macedonia. The interest of students was raised especially about the results from unannounced visits to corrective – penal facilities.

 Also, many students asked questions about the authority of the NPM in relation to concrete cases, in terms of conversations with persons deprived of freedom, without supervision, without witnesses, personal communication or through an interpreter. 

The aforementioned Sector collaborates with experts of different fields, depending on the specific case needs in order to prevent violence and implementation of the minimal UN Standard Rules in the penitentiary institutions in the Republic of Macedonia.

SEEU’s Faculty of Law students showed that they had prior knowledge about this topic, such as, the notion of torture and principles that prohibit these actions, based on the national legislation.

The London International Human Rights Congress is an international Conference organized by the Institute of Cultural Diplomacy based in Berlin, Germany, in partnership with the Slovenian Democratic Party and in cooperation with leading organizations such as the prestigious law firm Lehman & Watkins in London, Goldsmith University in London and many more.

The aim of the conference was to reflect on the operation and application of Human Rights with particular focus on issues of multiculturalism in the EU, such as immigration and integration of minorities. The program consisted of lectures, seminars, debates and panel discussions that featured leading figures from international politics & diplomacy, academia, civil society, and the private sector. Linda Ziberi’s paper will be published on the ICD website as part of the conference proceedings.

The presentation was held in front of SEEU students and staff at the SEEU Max van der Stoel Library.

This presentation was based on the newly publicized report, offering the audience an illustration of the previous economic progress and future economic projections of the SEE6 (Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia).  The World Bank Office Skopje and SEEU have signed a bilateral cooperation agreement that created the SEEU Public Information Centre (PIC), offering our students and staff research material and access to databases produced by the World Bank. 

This is the second public presentation from the World Bank at SEEU and we anticipate future presentations that will give our students and staff more opportunities to receive information from external sources.

SEEU is proud to showcase the local English classes and their dedicated teachers and students as part of the faculty of Languages, Cultures and Communications initiative "Community Outreach and Awareness". English is regarded as a vital component to professional development and getting international as well as good local jobs. The students have worked hard with their teacher to create these excellent presentations to share with their contemporaries.

"SEEU is delighted to have this opportunity to work with our local high schools. Encouraging and motivating these high school students is part of our mission and we are happy to welcome them here." Said Assistant Provost Dr Rod Beaumont who helped organize the event.

Dr. Andrew Goodspeed, Dean of the faculty said " It is a great pleasure for us to welcome representatives of the secondary schools of this region, particularly as they have prepared presentations for us in the English language. We at the South East European University are committed to multilingual, multicultural education, and are at the forefront of such pedagogy in the Balkan region. It is, therefore, a tremendous honor for us to welcome young people who share our belief in the value of linguistic and cultural understanding, and who are similarly determined to understand their own world through the media of language and culture."

SEEU Rector Zamir Dika, President of the Board Dennis Farrington, and Provost Paul M. Foster hosted the President during his visit. In addition to President McRobbie, Indiana University was represented at the ceremony by First Lady Laurie Burns McRobbie, Vice President for International Programs David Zaret, and Director of International Alumni Relations Eric DeHann.  McRobbie was also present in Tetovo in November 2001 when SEEU officially began operations.

Michael A. McRobbie earned his Ph.D. from Australian National University in 1979 and has enjoyed a distinguished academic career first at ANU, and later at Indiana University where he holds faculty appointments in computer science, philosophy, cognitive science, informatics, library & information science, and computer technology.   Much of his career has been spent in the establishment of advanced computing and communications infrastructure in such areas as parallel computing, virtual reality and high speech network testbeds, both nationally and globally. He also played a major role in the creation of the School of Informatics; directed the development of I-Light, the management of the Internet2 Abilene network and numerous other networks; and founded IU's Pervasive Technology Laboratories.

He was appointed Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer in 1997, and in addition was appointed Vice President for Research in 2003, and Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs for IU’s Bloomington campus in 2006. Michael A. McRobbie became the 18^th president of Indiana University on July 1, 2007. IU is one of the largest university systems in the US with eight campuses, a total budget of around US$3 billion, and over 6,000 academic staff, 11,000 administrative staff, and 110,000 students.  It is also believed IU has over 500,000 living alumni around the world.

Under his leadership IU has seen a major expansion in the size and quality of IU’s student body, a record level of expenditure, a billion dollar expansion of IU’s facilities, and the completion of $1.1 billion endowment campaign at IU Bloomington, the first phase of a $5 billion campaign to be completed in IU’s bicentenary year of 2020.  Indiana University is one of only a few universities in the US where both Albanian and Macedonian languages are regularly taught.

Indiana University and South East European University have enjoyed a decade of collaboration and cooperation.  In 2001, USAID awarded Indiana University a major grant to assist the university in its early phase of operations.  In 2004, USAID awarded IU a second grant to focus on increasing the quality of its programs.  During this period of cooperation, over 40 SEEU academic and administrative staff have visited Indiana University and participated in training programs, Masters and Ph.D. studies.  At the same time, over 15 Indiana University professors and administrators have visited Macedonia during this time.

Special  acknowledgement  were given to the representatives of the  diplomatic core in Macedonia , more universities and institutions, remarkable professors and individuals  and  Michael Mc Robbie –Rector of the University in Indiana , USA  was confirmed the title Doctor Honoris Caus. There was also an exhibition 100 photography – 10 for every year and through  10 minutes documentary film symbolically was shown the 10 years existence.  

The Rector of SEE University Prof. Dr. Zamir Dika, on this occasion said that the University continues to be dedicated to its mission- promoting higher education in Albanian language, and providing multilingual and multicultural education in Macedonia.

“Today, after ten years, the University has approximately 7000 students and over 5000 graduates in the three cycles of study, with property and equipment that are currently valued over 30 million euro, with an integrated modern campus in Tetovo and in Skopje 22.000 m2, 400 employees - academic and administrative staff, with a strong network of cooperation with universities inside and outside the country, facts that reveal 10 years full of achievements. The University through the project entitled "SEEU 2.0" intends vigorously to represent the model of modern integrated university with contemporary leadership, University Board consists of excellent people who are considered as direct contributors to the creation of the Bologna process and well known experts of higher education in Europe, as well as representatives from the community in Macedonia. This contemporary leadership structure followed by a quality management team – pro-rectors and advisors with an excellent academic background, with whom every rector would feel proud and motivated to continue relentlessly to the realization of the set objectives. This stage of university development is called phase of participative management based on performance and processes within a transparent and competitive environment on equal basses” said among others rector Dika.

 On the ceremony was present Minister of Education and Science Pance Kralev  and according to  him, the University succeeded to give historical dimension  of the education and multiethnicity in Macedonia although it exists only 10 years. -University is characterized    with multilingualism in teaching, students can study in their mother tongue, but also in English , whereas study programs  for the both cycles are competent and have European and  international perspective. “University succeeded to give historical dimension to the education and multiethnicity in Macedonia“ said Kralev. 

According to the President of the University Board Prof. Dr Dennis Farrington “This University is of course the only private-public not-for-profit institution in the country and the region, with its own organizational and business model, operating real time risk assessment and strategic planning. We are constantly seeking to find new ways of collaborating with government and other entities to secure financial sustainability and to continue to offer high quality programmes which will benefit both the individual and the economy, and at the same time making a meaningful contribution to protection of the environment. Our record is good, and is there for all to see. We do not rest on our laurels, but seek new directions, improvements and above all enhanced quality to European standards. These are not meaningless words, but represent our commitment. My old high school motto was ‘Progrediamur’ which means ‘Let us go forward.’ Indeed let us do just that, and come back in another ten years to receive the next poem.

Provost Prof. Dr Paul Foster said: „President Mc Robbie is truly an innovator in education. His leadership in IT was based on the IU Information Technology Strategic Plan, which he initiated and which is now considered a model for institutions across the US. He also played a major role in the creation of the School of Informatics; directed the development of I-Light, the management of the Internet2 Abilene network and numerous other networks; and founded IU's Pervasive Technology Laboratories, the first phase of a $5 billion campaign to be completed in IU’s bicentenary year of 2020”.

Doctor Honoris Causa Michael A. McRobbie, stated: „ It is an honor to be back here in Tetovo at South East European University in the Republic of Macedonia, just ten short years after the university was founded in 2001. I am proud to have been here at the beginning and even prouder to return for the great honor that you bestow upon me.  There may be no greater honor that a university can give than to invite one to join the ranks of its graduates, and I am deeply grateful.

 SEEU exemplifies the values that have united universities for centuries and that unite people as well. We can see evidence of your growth and prosperity by looking at the development that has taken place on the Tetovo campus and the interest generated by the downtown Skopje academic center.  We can see it in your new academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels and your new partnerships with European and U.S. universities. 

It is important to remember that SEEU is truly an institution of the 21st century.  You are the makers and shapers of your university’s traditions.  You are building a culture of intellect that will provide the foundation upon which the next generation of scholars and teachers can continue to build.  And you are the guardians who will ensure that the structures you create will best serve the faculty and students of SEEU long into the future. 

Special  acknowledgement  were given to the representatives of the  diplomatic core in Macedonia , more universities and institutions, remarkable professors and individuals  and  Michael Mc Robbie –Rector of the University in Indiana , USA  was confirmed the title Doctor Honoris Caus. There was also an exhibition 100 photography – 10 for every year and through  10 minutes documentary film symbolically was shown the 10 years existence.  

The Rector of SEE University Prof. Dr. Zamir Dika, on this occasion said that the University continues to be dedicated to its mission- promoting higher education in Albanian language, and providing multilingual and multicultural education in Macedonia.

“Today, after ten years, the University has approximately 7000 students and over 5000 graduates in the three cycles of study, with property and equipment that are currently valued over 30 million euro, with an integrated modern campus in Tetovo and in Skopje 22.000 m2, 400 employees - academic and administrative staff, with a strong network of cooperation with universities inside and outside the country, facts that reveal 10 years full of achievements. The University through the project entitled "SEEU 2.0" intends vigorously to represent the model of modern integrated university with contemporary leadership, University Board consists of excellent people who are considered as direct contributors to the creation of the Bologna process and well known experts of higher education in Europe, as well as representatives from the community in Macedonia. This contemporary leadership structure followed by a quality management team – pro-rectors and advisors with an excellent academic background, with whom every rector would feel proud and motivated to continue relentlessly to the realization of the set objectives. This stage of university development is called phase of participative management based on performance and processes within a transparent and competitive environment on equal basses” said among others rector Dika.

 On the ceremony was present Minister of Education and Science Pance Kralev  and according to  him, the University succeeded to give historical dimension  of the education and multiethnicity in Macedonia although it exists only 10 years. -University is characterized    with multilingualism in teaching, students can study in their mother tongue, but also in English , whereas study programs  for the both cycles are competent and have European and  international perspective. “University succeeded to give historical dimension to the education and multiethnicity in Macedonia“ said Kralev. 

According to the President of the University Board Prof. Dr Dennis Farrington “This University is of course the only private-public not-for-profit institution in the country and the region, with its own organizational and business model, operating real time risk assessment and strategic planning. We are constantly seeking to find new ways of collaborating with government and other entities to secure financial sustainability and to continue to offer high quality programmes which will benefit both the individual and the economy, and at the same time making a meaningful contribution to protection of the environment. Our record is good, and is there for all to see. We do not rest on our laurels, but seek new directions, improvements and above all enhanced quality to European standards. These are not meaningless words, but represent our commitment. My old high school motto was ‘Progrediamur’ which means ‘Let us go forward.’ Indeed let us do just that, and come back in another ten years to receive the next poem.

Provost Prof. Dr Paul Foster said: „President Mc Robbie is truly an innovator in education. His leadership in IT was based on the IU Information Technology Strategic Plan, which he initiated and which is now considered a model for institutions across the US. He also played a major role in the creation of the School of Informatics; directed the development of I-Light, the management of the Internet2 Abilene network and numerous other networks; and founded IU's Pervasive Technology Laboratories, the first phase of a $5 billion campaign to be completed in IU’s bicentenary year of 2020”.

Doctor Honoris Causa Michael A. McRobbie, stated: „ It is an honor to be back here in Tetovo at South East European University in the Republic of Macedonia, just ten short years after the university was founded in 2001. I am proud to have been here at the beginning and even prouder to return for the great honor that you bestow upon me.  There may be no greater honor that a university can give than to invite one to join the ranks of its graduates, and I am deeply grateful.

 SEEU exemplifies the values that have united universities for centuries and that unite people as well. We can see evidence of your growth and prosperity by looking at the development that has taken place on the Tetovo campus and the interest generated by the downtown Skopje academic center.  We can see it in your new academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels and your new partnerships with European and U.S. universities. 

It is important to remember that SEEU is truly an institution of the 21st century.  You are the makers and shapers of your university’s traditions.  You are building a culture of intellect that will provide the foundation upon which the next generation of scholars and teachers can continue to build.  And you are the guardians who will ensure that the structures you create will best serve the faculty and students of SEEU long into the future.