Remarks at a reception in honor of the European Humanities University
May 31, 2010
Ambassador's Residence, Vilnius
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests,
I am pleased to have the honor of hosting this event in honor of our visiting Friends of the European Humanities University. To quote from EHU's mission statement, "EHU exists to facilitate and deepen the contribution that its students, graduates, and faculty can make to the quality and potential of their own lives and to their societies."
The United States strongly supports this mission to strengthen the ties that connect Belarus to the European and global community.
EHU has embraced American and European educational values since its establishment almost 20 years ago. EHU's commitment to academic freedom and an education rooted in openness, independent thinking, and a diversity of ideas is a rare example for Belarus.
In order to support EHU's important work, U.S. and European partners have worked together to achieve our shared goal of providing western education in Belarus as a way to more closely connect our societies. Moreover, transatlantic cooperation has enabled the University to more effectively prepare future leaders and managers for the challenges of contemporary society.
The rapid response to EHU's crisis in 2004 represents an extraordinary example of U.S.-EU collaboration in the support of an international educational institution. The U.S. supported EHU's relocation to Vilnius and I am pleased to see EHU continuing its educational mission from here in Lithuania.
EHU has received strong support from American and European governments and generous private donors. Both the U.S. government and major U.S. private donors have contributed to EHU's survival and success in its new location. We all share in the hope that EHU will be able to return home to Belarus in the not too distant future, as conditions permit.
I would like to recognize the important contributions of many of our donors, especially the strong support from American partners. The American Friends of EHU has been established in support of the University through the initiative of Dan Davidson, Horton Beebe-Center, Gregory Prince, Blair Ruble, and Mercedes Sprouse.
I would also like to recognize the significant contributions of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the commitment of its former president, Dr. Jonathan Fanton.
I would also like to especially thank the Lithuanian government and society for its strong support of EHU, and the active role of many distinguished Lithuanian citizens in supporting EHU since its relocation to Lithuania.
Lithuania is a partner that puts serious action behind words in support of freedom and democratic values - in supporting EHU, through its significant contribution in Afghanistan, through its great leadership of the Community of Democracies and through its work with Eastern partners generally. The United States respects and appreciates Lithuania's commitment and contribution to freedom.
Lastly, I would like to commend EHU Rector Anatoli Mikhailov for his steadfast dedication to EHU. His effort to develop an alternative to the Soviet model of higher education in Belarus has been nearly 20 years in the making.
In closing, I would like to stress the importance of the support provided to EHU by American and European partners. Together, we are assisting EHU in providing an opportunity for Belarusians to attain an affordable international higher education based on the best liberal traditions worldwide.
Thank you for your support.