INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
The University of Edinburgh Strengthens Ties with US
By Lydia Liebman
Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, Principal of the University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh celebrated the launch of its North American Office at the Morgan Library and Museum. The event, which was intended to highlight the University’s connections to North America and reaffirm its commitment to deepening and widening engagement throughout the region, brought a full house to the historical library. Professors from the university as well as alumni, dignitaries and representatives from a number of foundations and organizations attended.
Many topics were discussed among the attendees during the course of the evening. One topic that was of particular interest was that of online education. “We see people take the online course and if they don’t drop out we try to bring them to an actual classroom or group discussion,” he said, “we look at online learning as the front door.” The University of Edinburgh has been successful with online courses, as they have just graduated their millionth online student. Another representative of the college explained that they are working toward partnerships with organizations in the US, one of which is the Clinton Foundation as well as with other universities where they hope to offer courses.
Following the cocktail hour, dignitaries from Edinburgh offered some remarks. Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, Principal of the University of Edinburgh said: “North America is of immense important to the University and I believe the opening of this new office will extend and deepen the already strong links we have across the USA and Canada. North American students make a vital contribution to life at Edinburgh and our research collaborations are helping mankind to address global challenges such as climate change, health and economic development. The North American Office will help further this important work.”
Other speakers included the distinguished historian Professor Sir Tom Divine who delivered a riveting talk about the links between the university and North America. The lecture, aptly titled “Enemy or Friend? The Scottish Factor in the Origins of the USA,” was bookended nicely by Divine’s choice to give away signed copies of his latest book “To The Ends of the Earth: Scotland’s Global Diaspora.” Professor Harold Hass introduced a high-speed wireless technology in his presentation. Developed by the Li-Fi Research and Development Centre, Li-Fi is a light-based communication technology that makes use of light waves instead of radio technology to deliver data.
The new office is located at 45 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. #
