AIT president addresses Shivaji University graduation
On 8 December 2006, AIT President Said Irandoust, delivered a guest-of-honor speech to graduates at the 43rd Convocation of Shivaji University (SU) in Kolhapur, India. It was the first time in 44 years of history of Shivaji University, a president from a foreign university was invited as the chief guest. This honor was earlier given to very high profile Indian dignitaries including the president of India. The convocation was attended by more than 15,000 graduates, students, staff, faculty and guests.
In the beginning of his speech Prof. Irandoust spoke about his acquaintance with Indian culture, including food, Bollywood and other customs in fluent local language, Marathi, which received a huge applause from the audience. In his address, Prof. Irandoust enlightened the graduates about the changing roles of universities in the knowledge society, new knowledge creation, entrepreneurship and leadership. He also emphasized education for sustainable development, managing diversity and change, and expected profiles of the graduates. He briefly introduced AIT to the huge gathering and elaborated the importance of institutional partnership with Shivaji University. The convocation was widely covered by all state news papers and TV channels which helped to increase visibility of AIT in the Maharashtra State of India.
As per the collaborative unified program with Shivaji University, the International School of Engineering and Technology (ISET) is established at SU campus. During his recent visit to SU, Prof. Irandoust also laid the foundation stone of the proposed international school building. The two-story building will be constructed on sloping land with facilities for classrooms, labs, library and meeting rooms. The building will be next to a beautiful lake and is expected to be completed by June 2007 to admit the first batch 120 students in four disciplines in ISET in August 2007.
