SEEU is truly an institution of the 21st century

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.