Herro Mustafa, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon, inaugurated the newly renovated American Corner space at the University of the Azores. This space, at the university’s library, provides new resources to be used by students. This was her third official visit to São Miguel and the second as Chargé. On the occasion Ms. Mustafa noted that the U.S. Embassy “has an excellent relationship with the university here in the Azores. Historically, that is not something new for us and we want to continue this cooperation and strengthen this collaboration.” Susana Mira Leal, vice-rector for International Affairs at the University of the Azores, also mentioned that “the University of the Azores has a longstanding cooperative partnership with the U.S. Embassy and with other U.S. institutions.”
An American Corner, a dedicated space within the university library, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Portugal, has existed at the University of the Azores since 2010. The American Corner works with the university to develop various initiatives “of a cultural, academic and scientific nature” as well as develop projects that are of interest to the academic community and to the local community in general.
For the university and the wider community that may use this space, this project serves to strengthen the quality of the resources available. The Embassy provided funds to support the creation of a true “maker space” for digital design and printing. New equipment bought for the space includes two 3D printers and the Chargé witnessed a those printers at work during a demonstration featuring experts from local technical schools.
