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ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ hosts Ukrainian delegation for sustainability solutions discussion
The visit was jointly organized by ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ and the Rotary Club of Biddeford and Saco as part of an effort to engage world leaders in democratic exchanges
The ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ recently welcomed a delegation of Ukrainian energy officials for a tour of ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔβs campus, an overview of the Universityβs academic programming, and discussions on the Universityβs initiatives and coursework in the fields of sustainability and renewable energy.
The visit, jointly organized by ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ and the , took place as part of the Open World Leadership Center program (OpenWorld), an international exchange agency program hosted by the U.S. government that offers cultural exchanges for Eurasian leaders to witness democracy building in action.
ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ welcomed Vladyslav Maksadov, state expert of the Expert Group for the Development of Renewable Energy, Directorate of the Energy Complex and Development of the Electricity Market, Ministry of Energy of Ukraine; Oleksandr Mykhailovsky, head of the Division of Alternative and Renewable Electricity, Development of the Electricity Market Support, Department of the Energy Market, National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC); and Iryna Zolotoverkha, head of department, NEURC.
Snizhana Mykytyn, facilitator for Ukrainian exchange programs with OpenWorld, and OpenWorld translator Olga Shostachuk also joined the delegation.
As part of their time on campus, the delegates met with ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ President James D. Herbert, Ph.D., to discuss the state of renewable energy in America β as their own country grapples with energy challenges amid the ongoing war β and ways ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ makes use of renewable energy sources.
The group was then treated to a tour of sustainability initiatives and landscaping across campus β including the Universityβs rainfall capture garden, native flower gardens, and the Danielle N. Ripich Commons β led by Alethea Cariddi, M.S.Ed., assistant director of sustainability at ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ, followed by a tour of the Arthur P. Girard Marine Science Center (and its famed multicolored lobsters) under the guide of Charles Tilburg, Ph.D., academic director of the School of Marine and Environmental Programs and director of the center.
βIt was a pleasure hosting our guests from Ukraine and having the opportunity to show them our facilities and discuss the different initiatives at both ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ and in Ukraine,β Tilburg reflected. βI am so happy that we were able to share stories on education, sustainability, and energy. I sincerely hope that we will be able to build on this initial visit to create a true partnership.β
Cariddi noted that the Universityβs campus beehives were a big hit with the visitors. βIt was interesting to compare and contrast with them the husbandry challenges between our climates,β she remarked.
Brenda Pollock, president of the Rotary Club of Biddeford and Saco, said the visit gave the delegation insight into the U.S. higher education system and how it prepares students to become leaders in their communities. She also noted ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔβs role as a partner in fostering connections between the Biddeford-Saco area and allies from across the globe.
βΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ is such an incredible staple in our community, so showing this Ukrainian delegation what a U.S. university system can look like was one of the highlights of their week,β Pollock remarked. βThey shared with us how Ukrainians value education, and higher education is part of their undergraduate preparation and discipline for students in Ukraine.β
President Herbert said the visit was an opportunity to forge new connections while working to pioneer renewable energy and infrastructure solutions. He also wished them well, calling them βnewfound friends.β
βIt was a distinct honor to welcome this delegation from the Ukrainian government to discuss infrastructure, particularly rebuilding following the war with an eye toward sustainability,β Herbert stated. βI was so impressed by their strength and resilience. Slava Ukraini!β