15th Anniversary of the Center for United States Studies
Lutherstadt Wittenberg, November 20, 2010

From usembassy.de:

November 19–21, 2010. The Center for U.S. Studies at the University of Halle-Wittenberg celebrated its 15th anniversary with a ceremony on November 20, 2010. In an impressive and colorful presentation, Director Prof. H.J. Grabbe summarized the achievements of the center in research and in teacher training and outreach—the double mandate of the center. Founded jointly by the State of Saxony-Anhalt, Leucorea Foundation and the U.S. Embassy, ZUSAS has developed into an internationally known center of learning and teaching with a unique status not only in the region, but in Germany. DCM Greg Delawie delivered welcome remarks by stressing the continued support of the U.S. Embassy, yet also pointing out that in financially difficult times the partners have to come together toguarantee that teenager will become a mature, self-sustaining, and independent adult. Prof. Dr. Birgitta Wolff, cultural minister of the state of Sachsen-Anhalt, talked about her own experience as a student and professional in the U.S. and stressed the need to counter numerous stereotypes about the U.S. and the role ZUSAS plays in it. Prof. Peter Schneck, President of the German Association for American Studies, in his keynote address familiarized the audience with the wide spectrum and interdisciplinary approach of American studies in Germany calling them a potenital model for other discpiplins. Numerous dignitaries of the stateof Saxony-Anhalt, of various universities, and the city of Wittenberg were among the well-wishers, hoping for a strong and financially secure future for ZUSAS.