Spring is in the air here in the USA where a large delegation from the North-West University (NWU) is visiting North Carolina State University (NCSU). The trees on their beautiful main campus are coated with colourful emerging blossoms, and although the sights like the majestic Memorial Bell Tower at Henry Square are something to behold, that is not why we are here.
We are here to learn and to build partnerships that will see us excel even more on the international stage.
It was dripping wet on our first day here, Monday, 24 March, but that did not prevent us from soaking up the information provided by our generous hosts. Our visit to the NCSU’s Department of Nuclear Engineering saw us visit the Nuclear Assay and Retrospective Dosimetry Laboratory, where Dr Rob Hayes told us that magic happens. It is hard to dispute that sentiment after the presentation he and Dr Lisa Marshall delivered, but allow me to add to that: Magic happens when people connect, when they share a common purpose and delight in their shared resolve to reach goals that transcend their individual needs. That is magic.
We saw this at the Nuclear Materials Ultrafast Spectroscopy Characterization Laboratory we visited later, as well as at our meeting with Dr Mark Hoversten, the dean of the College of Design, during our discussion with Robert Sandruck, director of Global Programs, and at the College of Natural Resources.
On Tuesday we visited the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Caldwell Hall. This building is named after NCSU’s former chancellor, John Tyler Caldwell, who was renowned as a progressive thinker in his time. I think he would have enjoyed hearing the story about the NWU’s journey and where we are heading. Our day also included a meeting with Dr Garey Fox, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and concluded with a tour and overview of their Plant Sciences Initiative.
It is wonderfully exciting, and our week is far from over. Fair weather is expected over the next few days, which is perfect for new friendships to blossom as well.
Warm regards
Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
The NWU delegation in discussions with their North Carolina State University counterparts.
