In celebration of its first anniversary, the American Space at the American University of Iraq-Baghdad (AUIB) hosted a reception attended by the Ambassador of the United States to Iraq, Alina Romanowski, a number of ambassadors and members of diplomatic corps, Iraqi officials, and alumni of various educational and cultural programs offered by U.S. government agencies.
AUIB President, Dr. Michael Mulnix, welcomed the distinguished guests to campus and spoke of the University’s efforts at securing funding for scholarships to its students, including from international educational and cultural organizations, the Iraqi government, the U.S. Department of State, and individuals. President Mulnix commended the work of the American Space at AUIB, which promotes a better understanding of American history and culture, and offers “a safe place” for open discussions on any topic, within the broader environment of the University, “a place of learning, scholarship, and opportunity.”
Ambassador Romanowski thanked AUIB for the invitation and spoke of the global network of American Spaces which provides, according to the Ambassador, fora that promote democratic principles, general engagement, and people-to-people connections, serving to build mutual understanding. In her turn, the diplomat commended the achievements of the American Space at AUIB over the past year, highlighting some of the most prominent events it organized, and expressing her wish for “a long, productive partnership” between the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, AUIB, and the people of Iraq.