Taipei, Oct. 30 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian on Thursday praised the University of Northern Colorado for turning out talented individuals, including those from Taiwan.
The president made the remarks when he received Kay Norton, president of the University of Northern Colorado, her husband and other school officials at the Presidential Office.
The president noted that the school was inaugurated in 1889 and changed its name to Colorado State College of Education from State Normal School in 1935. It eventually became a university in 1970. The school currently has around 11,000 students, 50 of whom are from Taiwan.
Over the past 20 years, at least 500 Taiwan students have gone to the university for advanced studies, the president said.
In addition, at least 50 professors from the University of Northern Colorado have come to Taiwan to do research or teach since 1983, the president said. The school established sisterhood relations with National Taiwan Normal University and cooperates academically with at least 15 colleges and universities, which the president said has helped upgrade Taiwan's academic level.
The president said that the hope of the nation lies in its talented people, and that although Taiwan has seen some financial difficulties over the past three years, its budgets for culture and education have continued to grow at 3 percent annually, adding that " investment in the future and the next generation is important."
For her part, Norton promised to continue exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan.