German Ambassador Visits LUMS to Discuss Avenues of Collaboration
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His Excellency Mr. Alfred Grannas, the German Ambassador to Pakistan, visited LUMS on September 21, to discuss opportunities of collaboration with German universities in the coming year. He was accompanied by Ms. Dorota M. Berezicki, Head of Communications and Cultural Affairs, German Embassy Islamabad.
They were welcomed by members of LUMS’ leadership, including Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood, Pro Chancellor; Mr. Shahid Hussain, Rector; Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost; Mr. Muhammad Ali Khan, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives; Dr. Furrukh Khan, Director, Office of International Affairs, and Ms. Nuzhat Kamran, Director, Office of Advancement. Also in attendance were Deans and faculty members who have previous or existing linkages with Germany.
Dr. Jadoon shared that LUMS has a long-standing association with Germany that spans over two decades. These include student exchanges, fellowships, and research collaborations. Ms. Kamran highlighted how the University has evolved over the past three decades and talked about the efforts in place to forward accessible education. Dr. Khan also talked about the ways LUMS is trying to increase its footprint internationally.
Ambassador Grannas expressed his appreciation for LUMS, and particularly praised the University’s National Outreach Programme that seeks out talented students from across the country. “One of the foundations of success of a society is to use all the talent, not just recycling leadership from the same layers of society,” he said.
Dr. Ali Khan, Dean, Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences, shared that he previously taught German exchange students at LUMS. He said, “It was a pleasure to have them in class as they were so interested and engaged.” He also noted the importance of such exchanges as both the visiting and host students benefit. He added, “The most important thing a university can offer is to get young people together, as they represent our future.”
The delegation also had the opportunity to hear from two German exchange students from the University of Passau, Marei Zizelman and Joseph Seppi Stetcher, who are spending a semester at LUMS to study political science.
Sharing her experience, Ms. Zizelman said, “LUMS offers me the opportunity to gain multiple perspectives. It is an extremely diverse place, and people are so hospitable and inclusive. I feel I’m not just a traveller in Pakistan, but part of a community. Coming here is the best decision I’ve made so far in my life!”
Mr. Stetcher agreed and added, “It has been a really good experience. Everyone is so friendly. I am already feeling sad that I have to go back!”
The meeting was followed by a tour of the Maker’s Lab at the National Incubation Centre Lahore at LUMS.
