US Ambassador Visits the University of Gondar

On the 8th of November 2013, the University of Gondar was a proud host to the visiting US Ambassador to Ethiopia – Ambassador Patricia M. Haslach. Ambassador Haslach was received by University of Gondar officials, faculty members and female students.

In his opening speech Professor Afework Kassu, Research and Community Service Vice President and Delegated President, welcomed Her Excellency to the University of Gondar and extended his thanks to the US Government for its long and continued support to the University of Gondar throughout it’s 60 year history. The US Government played a key role in the establishment of the University of Gondar in 1954 and  continues to support the University to this day through various schemes and projects.   He also acknowledged the invaluable input that the University receives from its many partner universities in the US and expressed the University of Gondar’s desire to strengthen and build on these in order to help strengthen our Masters and PhD programs. Next year marks the University of Gondar’s 60th Anniversary and as a representative of one of  the University’s oldest partners and supporters, he extended his invitation to Ambassador Haslach to attend the University of Gondar’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations as our honoured guest. 

During her trip, Ambassador Haslach was able to meet with female students at the University of Gondar – an audience that found her to be an inspiring and empowering role model. She was also able to visit the University of Gondar Hospital and explore the various projects that have been able to serve the community as a result of crucial US Government funding. These included a range of PEPFAR funded projects such as free ART clinics, the Neonatology Unit and the MDR TB Ward; the CDC funded Comprehensive Outpatient Center; and the rest of the 1000 bed referral hospital that is currently under construction.

During her 2 day trip Ambassador Haslach also visited Gondar City, its historic sights and Gondar City Administration.