Last modified: Sunday, May 20, 2012
IU trip to strengthen connections with Thailand
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2012
BANGKOK, THAILAND -- Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie today will seek to strengthen IU's connections with two of Thailand's leading universities and give an address at the National Institute of Development Administration.
McRobbie, accompanied by Vice President for International Affairs David Zaret, is visiting Thailand as part of an 11-day, four-country trip, beginning today, to Southeast Asia.
His address at NIDA will focus on IU's tradition of institution building and the challenges higher education administrators will face in the next decade.
Following his address, he will present the Thomas Hart Benton Medal, which is given to individuals who have achieved a level of distinction in public office or service and have exemplified the values of IU, to NIDA President Sombat Thamrongthanyawong in recognition of his distinguished academic career and IU's longstanding partnership with NIDA.
Also planned for the two-day visit are a dinner with Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who was presented an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from IU in 2010. McRobbie also will meet with representatives of Chulalongkorn University and the National Institute for Development Administration in Thailand.
Tonight, McRobbie also will meet with IU alumni at a reception. IU has nearly 1,000 alumni living in Thailand today.
IU's partnership with Thailand dates back to 1948 and is one of the university's oldest official international relationships. IU helped develop the Institute of Public Administration at Thammasat University in 1955 as well as 16 teacher colleges in Thailand in the 1960s and 1970s, many of which are now four-year, comprehensive universities.
Additionally, several IU presidents have visited Thailand, beginning with IU's 11th president, Herman B Wells, who twice was knighted by the Thai government.
Daily blog entries from the entire trip will be prepared by Shawn Conner, associate director of international partnerships at IU, and will be made available periodically in the IU News Room section of the university's website, and on the website for the Office of the President.
Photos and additional information about the trip can be made available upon request.
