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African Drums Meet Tech Dreams: Stevens Institute of Technology Co-hosts Landmark Africa-US Presidential Forum on STEM, AI and MBA

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Jeff Vock

On a balmy September evening, the rhythmic beats of African drums echoed through Stevens' University Center, heralding a new era of educational collaboration between Africa and the United States. The Second Annual Africa-US Presidential Forum on STEM, AI, MBA, co-hosted by Stevens and the Nekotech Centre of Excellence, brought together African heads of state, U.S. officials and academic leaders in a celebration of progress and potential. The event, meticulously organized by Stevens' Office of Graduate Education, showcased Stevens' commitment to fostering international educational partnerships.

Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world" - a sentiment that became the unofficial mantra of the evening. Stevens President Nariman Farvardin echoed this spirit in his welcome address, emphasizing the university's commitment to fostering global innovation.

"Through this partnership with Nekotech, we welcome a talented cohort of African students to our Stevens community, where they will develop the skills needed to make meaningful contributions in an increasingly complex technological landscape," Farvardin said. He also stressed the broader impact of the initiative, stating, "Together, we will drive economic growth, create high-value jobs and ensure that Africa remains at the forefront of technological innovation for years to come."

In a video address, U.S. Senator Cory Booker reminded attendees, "If we want to solve the problems of tomorrow, we must make investments today." His words set the stage for the evening's announcement: a $1 billion pledge from Nekotech to support 10,000 African graduate students in pursuing graduate degrees abroad over the next five years.

H.E. Rev. Dr. Princess Asie K. Ocansey, executive chairperson and founder of Nekotech Centre of Excellence, emphasized the broader impact of this initiative: "We aim not only to transform the lives of individual students by empowering them with the skills to shape the direction of technological progress but also to develop and reinforce the strength of economies in Africa."

Celebrating innovation and partnership

The evening's program balanced formal award proceedings with cultural performances. African drums punctuated the event, marking celebratory moments with rhythmic call-and-response patterns. Traditional African dancers performed at key intervals. Grammy Award-nominated jazz pianist Mark Soskin serenaded guests throughout the cocktail hour. During dinner, Stevens students James Hooker, Jonathan Mendler, and Daniel Stein played a rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody," under the direction of Stevens' Distinguished Artist-in-Residence Carlos Alomar. The blend of traditions embodied the forum's mission of bridging cultures through education.

President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi received his award from Stevens President Nariman FarvardinThe highlight of the night was the presentation of Presidential Honorary Awards. President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi received his award from President Farvardin, proclaiming, "I never pass up an opportunity to open educational doors to the children of Malawi."

Stevens Vice President of University Relations and Chief of Staff Beth McGrath presented an award to former President of Malawi, Dr. Joyce Banda, which was accepted by Hon. Madalitso Wirima Kambauwa, MP, Minister of Education of Malawi. Kambauwa stressed the importance of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), emphasizing the crucial role of arts in a well-rounded education.

HRM King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II of the Ga State received his award from Stevens Provost and Senior VP for Academic Affairs Jianmin QuJianmin Qu, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Stevens, presented an award to H.E. Brig. (RTD) Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, which was accepted on his behalf by Funmi Babalola, the evening's master of ceremonies. HRM King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II of the Ga State received his award from Provost Jianmin Qu, urging, "Let us make our communities a place where every child can build a dream."

The evening also saw the presentation of Financial Educational and Scholarship Awards to the nations of Liberia and Ghana, with checks presented by H.E. Rev. Dr. Princess Ocansey.

Perhaps the most touching moments came during the Graduate Ambassador Awards. Chipiliro Chisao, a graduate of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, received her award from H.E. Rev. Dr. Princess Ocansey, while Brima Lakoh, a Stevens alumnus, accepted his award from Stevens Senior Vice Provost for Graduate Education Constantin Chassapis alongside his mother. Lakoh, whose initiative sparked the collaboration between Nekotech and Stevens, shared his guiding principles: "passion, purpose, perseverance."

President Farvardin congratulated Stevens alumnus Brima Lakoh and his motherStevens' integral role in this partnership was evident throughout the evening. With its cutting-edge research facilities, world-class faculty and strategic location near New York City, Stevens offers African students unparalleled opportunities in STEM fields. The university's Accessing Careers in Engineering and Science (ACES) program, which provides tuition-free pre-college programming for underserved communities, demonstrates its ongoing commitment to diversity in STEM education.

As the evening drew to a close, H.E. Rev. Dr. Princess Ocansey left attendees with a charge: "Invest your time, effort and energy to lift a child up." It was a fitting end to an event that had transformed lofty ideals into action.

The Second Annual Africa-US Presidential Forum at Stevens was a blueprint for a future where education knows no borders, and where the next generation of African leaders in STEM are already taking shape. As Senator Booker noted, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." On this night, it was clear that Africa and the United States had chosen to go far, together.

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