Boise State and the Basque Government Sign Pact

Boise, Idaho - - Boise State President Bob Kustra and Provost Sona Andrews along with Pete T. Cennarusa and John Bieter of the Cenarrusa Center for Basque Studies welcomed the Lehendakari and a delegation from the Basque Government on July 27, 2005 at Boise State University. They joined members of the community and press for an introduction of the Basque Studies Program and a formal signing of a new memorandum of agreement between Boise State, the Cenarrusa Center for Basque Studies and the Basque government. The signing was followed by comments from Basque Lehendakari (president) Juan Jose Ibarretxe.

The signing of the memorandum, which took place at the Student Union Building, will provide $150,000 for the establishment of the program. Boise State will use the money for a Basque Studies minor that will be funded by both the Basque government and the U.S. government.

“Boise State University is honored and delighted to work in partnership on this effort with the Boise Basque community, the Cenarrusa Center for Basque Studies, and officials and offices of the Basque country,” Andrews said.

The program will raise awareness about the Basque culture through classes in language and culture; publication of literature about Basque issues; participation in seminars, symposium and conferences; and collaboration with cultural centers and universities in the United States and the Basque country. The Boise State study abroad program in the Basque country has been active for decades and was established by Dr. Pat Bieter. The program celebrated it's 30th anniversary during Jaialdi 05.

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For More Information: http://news.boisestate.edu/newsrelease/072005/0727basqueagreement.html

Contact: John Bieter (johnb@cenarrusa.org)