2004 Press Releases
Visit to Orenburg Highlights Success of USG Exchange Programs
July 2, 2005
Yekaterinburg Public Affairs Officer Brad Hurst visited Orenburg on July 2-3, meeting with the Oblast administration, media, university, and alumni of U.S. Government-funded exchange programs, to discuss ways of increasing Consulate programming in the region.
The visit included an in-depth discussion with Vice Governor, Sergey Gorshenin, who is an alumnus of the Open World Leadership Center. Hurst and Gorshenin discussed the economic situation in Orenburg oblast, problems with AIDS and drugs, and ethnic tolerance. The Vice Governor showed a strong interest in strengthening collaboration between Orenburg oblast and the U.S.
The alumni meeting was the 7th and final part of an alumni outreach initiative designed around the Consulate’s tenth anniversary celebration. This event was held in conjunction with an alumni training seminar organized by the Open World Leadership Center. The Consulate's partnership with Open World led to increased participation in the event and set a new standard for future cooperation. Alumni discussed the results of their U.S. experience and how that has translated to projects they are currently working on. Alumni are involved in activities ranging from academic cooperation between the Orenburg Law Academy and the University of Georgia, to the establishment of a charitable foundation, Evrasia, and training programs in entrepreneurship for women.
Orenburg State University impressed its guests with its outstanding facilities, including an Internet center, and a new library building, which will be finished in 2005. A secondary school, organized by the Orenburg State University in order to prepare its future students, is also working to develop a partnership with Lancaster High School in Ohio.
