Saudi Alumni Chapter

University of Colorado Boulder Chancellor Phil DiStefano and University of Colorado Denver Chancellor Jerry Wartgow traveled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in late January to celebrate the newly formed Saudi CU Alumni Chapter. Their visit was hosted by Zuhair Fayez, an engaged and enthusiastic CU alumnus (bachelor's degree in architecture; master's degree in urban design) who has a successful architectural and engineering firm in Saudi Arabia. He has had 17 members of his family follow him to CU. Fayez was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters at commencement in Boulder in May in recognition of his accomplishments and service to the university.

The chancellors met with alumni, prospective students and parents, and also with educators to discuss the possibilities for academic partnerships. Many of those discussions focused on creating the structure that will allow us to grow and sustain the programs, which fits in with our increasing focus on international students and alumni. Saudi Arabia is our fourth-largest source of international students, with about 80. DiStefano and Wartgow report that they were warmly received by groups that are excited about building deeper connections with the university. And with Zuhair Fayez's acumen in building, we are optimistic for the future of this important endeavor.

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