The Col John C. Robinson American Corner at St. Mary’s University was officially inaugurated on May 22, 2023, by the University President Dr. Wondwosen Tamrat and the U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Tracey Jacobson. The Corner is a tribute to the African American pilot Col. John C. Robinson, who led the Ethiopian Air Force during the 1935 war with Italy and helped establish Ethiopian Airlines. He was appointed by Emperor Haile Selassie as the Commander of the Air Force.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Jacobson praised the long-standing cooperation with St. Mary’s University, which has been hosting the English Language ACCESS program. She also mentioned that the Corner will provide students with access to maker space, digital printers, STEM learning, and information about U.S. education opportunities and scholarships.
Wondwosen Tamrat (Ph.D.), Founder and President of the University, said that the Corner will benefit the young generation by exposing them to the latest technology and relevant resources for their academic and career development. He remarked that the Corner will offer various services including training on astronomy, leadership, STEM, entrepreneurship, and more.
He also highlighted the 20-year partnership with the U.S. Embassy in promoting education, culture, and skills development training for the youth. “The relation started at the beginning of 2000 through book donations and continued thereafter having diverse forms of partnership,” he remarked.
The president expressed his gratitude to the US Embassy for choosing St. Mary's as the host of the Corner and reaffirmed its commitment to the success of the Corner and its future outcomes.
Finally, three American colleges presented information about educational opportunities in the U.S., including opportunities for financing Ethiopian or international students.
In attendance were SMU faculties and office heads, high school students, and invited guests from different institutions.
