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Dunn travels to Spain to mark 10 years of partnership

Feb. 10, 2009

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University President John M. Dunn recently took a whirlwind trip to Spain to help celebrate the anniversary of one of the University's strongest study abroad programs.

The celebration at the University of Burgos marked the 10th anniversary of WMU's study abroad partnership with that school. More than 200 WMU students, including 21 who were studying in Burgos for the fall semester, have taken part in the program since its inception, making the site the most popular destination for WMU students selecting a study abroad location. In turn, the University of Burgos has been sending primarily graduate students to WMU since 1999.

The anniversary celebration included meetings with University of Burgos leaders and the mayor of the city, breakfast with WMU students in the program and an evening dinner and concert to mark 10 years of partnership between the two universities. The WMU group also had a chance to tour the campus and city and visit local historical and cultural sites. In addition to President Dunn, the WMU delegation included his wife, Linda Dunn; Dr. Mercedes Tasende, chair of the Department of Spanish; and Dr. Brett Bequest, executive director of international programs.

In remarks delivered during the evening celebration, Dunn praised his Spanish colleagues for the care and hospitality WMU students have experienced in Burgos over the years.

"I've met some of the students studying here now," he said. "I have become confident that there are 21 new advocates for international education whose lives are forever changed by their experiences abroad."

Related links
View photos from Dunn's trip

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, (269) 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

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