Before an audience of higher education officials from New York and Cuba, State University of New York at Old Westbury President Calvin O. Butts, III, participated in a ceremony recently to sign a memorandum of understanding between Old Westbury and the Universidad de Matanzas in Cuba at the historic Hotel Palacio in Havana, Cuba.
“Our world continues to grow smaller every day, through the development of technology, communication, business and culture,” said Butts. “To truly compete in the global community and marketplace, our students must learn of, and be exposed to, the history, culture and practices of nations around the world. I am proud to have Universidad de Matanzas as our partner as we seek to continue growing the varied international influences that impact our campus.”
The agreement between SUNY Old Westbury and Universidad de Matanzas provides a framework for the ongoing development of academic collaborations and study abroad programs in areas of teacher training, science research, community service, language and culture.
Faculty from both countries will also have the opportunity to team teach utilizing online platforms and share research materials.
The Matanzas memorandum of understanding is the latest signed by SUNY Old Westbury, which also currently has standing agreements with institutions in Austria, Belgium, China, England, France, Germany, Iran, Mexico, Norway, South Korea and Spain
The New York delegation to Cuba was led by SUNY Board Chairman Carl McCall. The group attended a week-long international education conference sponsored by the Ministry of Education. University delegates in this conference from over 60 countries are seeking new academic collaborations with Cuban universities.
