This was the sentiment expressed by a delegation from CSU which visited AIT on 26 April
2011. Dr. Sandra L. Woods, Dean of Engineering, CSU, stated that
history of association of CSU and AIT is significant, and the two
should consider offering joint programs. She expressed keen interest in
the dual degree programs offered by AIT, and suggested that CSU and AIT
can work on a joint program. She identified clean and renewable energy,
and water as two potential areas of cooperation.
Dr. John D. Nelson, CEO of Engineering Analytics Inc., remarked that
the need for increased cooperation, and hoped that the “American
presence” at AIT would increase. Travelling down memory lane, Dr.
Nelson recalled the work Prof. Maurice Albertson of CSU in establishing
the then SEATO Graduate School of Engineering. Prof. Albertson was also
instrumental in the establishment of Peace Corps in US, and Sustainable
Village Development program all around the world.
Prof. Said Irandoust, President, AIT, while welcoming the delegation
delved on the association of the United States with AIT. He stated that
AIT is in regular dialogue with the Embassy of USA in Thailand and
would like the United States to sign the new AIT Charter. Elaborating
on AIT’s partnership with the University of Borås in Sweden, the AIT
President suggested a similar program with CSU.
The AIT President also thanked Dr. Woods for her offer to help AIT
engage with the United States through CSU, and described Dr. Nelson as
a “great friend of AIT.” He appreciated H.E. Dr. Subin Pinkayan, former
Foreign Minister of Thailand, and alumnus of both AIT and CSU, for
facilitating the visit of the delegation.
Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, Vice President for Resource Development
remarked that AIT is engaged in a similar deliberation with Simon
Fraser University in Canada.
The delegation also included Ms. Darlene Nelson, and Ms. Audra
Brickner, Director of Development, College of Engineering, CSU. The
delegation also met Prof. Joydeep Dutta, Vice President for Academic
Affairs; Dr.Weerakorn Ongsakul, Dean, School of Environment, Resources
and Development (SERD) and Dr. Nitin V. Afzulpurkar, Dean, School of
Engineering and Technology (SET); Prof. Gabor Louis Hornyak, Deputy
Director of Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology and also Interim
Director of Center for Learning Innovation and Quality; and Dr. Gregory
Chiu, Visiting Faculty of Offshore Technology and Management,
SET.
