U.S. University Presidents Summit: Quotes from University Presidents

Anticipating the U.S. University Presidents Summit on International Education
January 5-6, 2006

From The Chicago Daily Herald:
"You can't live in the world today, and you can't do business in the world today, unless you are a global citizen," Lee said, adding that while community colleges are meant to serve the community, "we do live in a world that is so small now that the 'community' is the people on the planet."
— President Margaret Lee, Oakton Community College (Illinois)

From the University of Michigan:
"International education has never been more vital for our students and for our country. I welcome this deliberate effort by the government to stimulate a stronger partnership with the higher education community so we can attract first-rate international students and scholars to the U.S., and educate U.S. students who will be strong in fields of international interest and competitive in a global economy."
— President Mary Sue Coleman, University of Michigan

From Vanderbilt University:
"International education is both our greatest opportunity and our greatest challenge," said Gee. "There is no question that America's colleges and universities play a critical role in enhancing understanding. That's why it is imperative for the government and higher education to acknowledge and address the barriers that have made it more difficult for students and scholars to participate in global initiatives. This meeting is an important step in the right direction."
—Chancellor Gordon Gee, Vanderbilt University (Tennessee)

From The Troy Messenger:
"This is an important meeting and it is a pleasure to have been invited," Hawkins said. "It is a very positive reflection of this university and the position it has taken in the field of international education. I truly believe that there is strength in diversity and that intolerance is the manifestation of ignorance. Having a greater International presence in Troy will give is all a chance to see what he world is becoming." — Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr., Troy University (Alabama)

From Inside Indiana Business:
"Nothing less than the future of America is at stake," Jischke said. "Talented people from throughout the world have come to the United States to study because of the quality of our universities. These gifted individuals provide a healthy challenge for America's best students, and many of them stay and become part of the intellectual fabric of our nation by working in industry, health care, research and even higher education. Those who return home take with them a better understanding and appreciation for our country. Under either scenario, international students are a positive force for America. They make our country stronger, and they make the world more hospitable to American ideals." — President Martin C. Jischke, Purdue University (Indiana)

From The Dickinsonian:
"I'm not advocating a specific foreign policy," says Durden. He will be advocating, however, an emphasis on global education and hopefully answering the question of "how we prepare people to represent America comprehensively." It is important, he says, that Dickinson students, and American students in general, know what the U.S. stands for, know what the U.S. is debating, and are able to listen, with "diplomacy and elegance," to alternative viewpoints. The U.S. University Presidents Summit will give him the opportunity to share this. — President William G. Durden, Dickinson College (Pennsylvania)