Media advisory:  MU Forum to Reflect on Relationship with University in South Africa

March 25, 2008

Story Contact: Christian Basi, 573-882-4430, BasiC@missouri.edu

WHAT:          

In the late 1970s, University of Missouri officials began a historic relationship with the University of Western Cape (UWC) in South Africa. Now, the public is invited to attend a free forum that will reflect on that groundbreaking relationship. The forum is the latest in a series of open forums moderated by Chancellor Brady Deaton about global issues of interest to the community.

WHO:            

The panel will feature Brian O'Connell, rector and professor of the University of Western Cape and Ron Turner, executive vice president emeritus of the UM System.

WHERE:        

Ellis Auditorium, MU campus

WHEN:          

3:30 to 5 p.m., Monday, March 31

NOTE:           

In the late 1970s, after hearing from MU students concerned about apartheid, the Board of Curators decided to divest from companies doing business in South Africa and develop a collaborative relationship with a non-white university in South Africa. The link between the University of Missouri and UWC is now recognized around the world as a model for international academic exchange.                       

In 1986 the UM System approached UWC to begin a cooperative agreement that would include faculty and student exchanges. Since that time, the University of Missouri South Africa Education Program has sponsored more than 375 exchange visits, representing more than 40 academic disciplines.

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