Graduate Area MoU Signed!
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Lapland, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the University of the Arctic took place during an official ceremony on the morning of February 26, 2008 at the University of Lapland, in Rovaniemi Finland. The UoL and UAF were appointed joint leads of the UArctic Graduate Area in early December, 2007 and today's signing marks the first official commitments between the institutions.
UAF Chancellor Steve Jones, UofL Rector Mauri Ylä-Kotola and UArctic President Lars Kullerud gathered in Rovaniemi for the official signing of the document. A number of special guests from the administrative staff of the three institutions were also on hand to witness the event.
Pierre-Andre Forest, Program Planner for the UoL Graduate Area team, offered an opening speech and introductions of the three university representatives. President Kullerud followed Forest, and mentioned how great it is to have the UArctic reach another milestone in Rovaniemi, with two of its founding members. Rector Ylä-Kotola also offered some inspiring words, remarking on the accomplishments of UoL in forming cooperations with other northern institutions, to establish new innovative initiatives. Finally, Chancellor Jones commented on the personal thrill it is to be in Rovaniemi, and the importance of using the UArctic network to create ventures that are specific to Northern institutions and communities.
For background information on the Graduate Area, as well as the University of Lapland and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, please view this months Northern Lights Feature Story.