Sept. 5, 2003
Media Advisory
To: News Directors and News Editors
From: Veronika Avery, Coordinator of Media Relations, 342-5444

PRESIDENT COFER TO TRAVEL TO CUBA

ULM President James Cofer along with 14 other university presidents will travel to Cuba on Sunday September 7. The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is sponsoring the trip in conjunction with the Ministry of Higher Education. Cofer says much emphasis will be placed on the promotion of both student and faculty exchange programs to encourage the diversification and expansion of learning among cultures.

Cofer said, " I am honored to be selected as one of 14 presidents to go on this trip. We are going to build relationships and to possibly set up an exchange program for the future. The Washington representatives of the Cuban government informed AASCU that they consider this mission as one of the most important delegations to come to Cuba from the United States. This is a rare invitation to visit Cuba and to create lasting educational, informational, and institutional ties."

The group will visit the University of Havana and the University of Matanzas. The presidents also plan to go to the Fine Arts Museum. Cofer will return Friday, September 12.