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| De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) President Bro. Edmundo Fernandez, FSC (left) and La Salle University (LSU) Pennsylvania President Dr. Daniel Allen (right) with the signed-and-sealed strategic academic partnership agreement between the two campuses (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
In a steadfast dedication to internationalization, aiming to broaden real-world exposure for both its students and faculty, De La Salle Lipa (DLSL), a distinguished institution of higher learning in the Philippines, has entered into a significant agreement with La Salle University (LSU), a Carnegie classified institution of higher learning in the state of Pennsylvania in the United States (US).
The collaborative partnership between these two institutions is designed to fortify, promote, and advance academic disciplines while fostering institutional linkages for educational cooperation. This collaboration encompasses joint innovations in academic programs, collaborative teaching arrangements, faculty development and immersion initiatives, collaborative research among faculty members, student admissions to academic programs, and participation in exchange programs. Both institutions seek to leverage their existing and prospective partnerships to maximize the benefits of this collaboration. The academic alliance was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by DLSL President Bro. Edmundo Fernandez FSC, and LSU Pennsylvania President Dr. Daniel Allen.
De La Salle Lipa, as a multi-level educational institution, is unwavering in its commitment to delivering quality human and Christian education, championing principles of equity, justice, and sustainable and inclusive development. La Salle University, guided by the principle that all knowledge is practical and empowering, envisions education as a transformative force capable of enriching lives. The university’s mission revolves around educating the whole person, encouraging a rigorous pursuit of truth, and preparing students for a lifelong journey of wisdom, knowledge, and faith, leading to engaged and fulfilling lives characterized by a steadfast commitment to the common good. Both institutions are integral parts of the global network of La Salle schools, spanning 80 countries and encompassing over 1,000 educational institutions. This network serves as a platform where more than one million students enter to learn and leave with a sense of duty to serve their communities and the greater global society.
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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
Meanwhile, DLSL participated in the International Association of Universities (IAU) 2023 Intercultural Conference held last November 25-27, 2023 at Qatar University in Doha. The educational institution based in Lipa City, Batangas was represented by Dean Evangeline Necio of the College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (CIHTM). The conference, with the theme “Higher Education With Impact: The Importance Of Intercultural Learning And Dialogue", delved into how global universities champion intercultural learning and dialogue, the influence of geopolitics on this objective, and the broader societal implications – areas studied within the curriculum of CIHTM. The IAU 2023 International Conference drew participants from its nearly 600 member institutions worldwide, spanning over 120 countries. This year’s focus acknowledged the pivotal role of universities in fostering interconnectedness, developing intercultural competencies, and nurturing understanding and collaboration. The emphasis was on teaching, learning, international research collaboration, and community engagement, contributing to the cultivation of global citizenship and social responsibility.
The event underscored the imperative for higher education to set an example in promoting cooperation, understanding, and appreciation of diversity on both local and global scales. The objective is to generate innovative knowledge and approaches to global and local issues. The conference gathered diverse perspectives from different regions and countries, exploring how intercultural learning and dialogue amplify the relevance of higher education, positively impacting society and cultivating a culture of peace. De La Salle Lipa has been an IAU Member Institution since 2016, initially participating in the annual conference in Bangkok, Thailand. Recognized for its sustainability initiatives, the institution actively engages with IAU partners like the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) and the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).
With words by Dfezie Tipan, De La Salle Lipa
