It was an honor to visit Cape Town, South Africa, to celebrate 40 years of partnership between the University of Missouri System and the University of the Western Cape (UWC). This was my third visit to UWC, and each time I’m struck by the enthusiasm, commitment to excellence and historical importance of our enduring collaboration.

Created in 1986 with support from the UM Board of Curators, the University of Missouri South African Education Program (UMSAEP) continues to thrive by developing meaningful opportunities for students and faculty to advance research that strengthens each institution. There have been more than 1,000 faculty exchanges across many fields and hundreds of student exchanges through the Henry Mitchell Scholarship and other programs. In 2015, we welcomed Ghent University of Belgium as a third member of the partnership – further expanding our collective impact.

Joining us at UWC were UM Board Chair Todd Graves and UMSAEP Director Rod Uphoff, who has led the program since 2006. Throughout the visit, the UM delegation met with faculty and students profoundly shaped by their collaborations with the University of Missouri System, and we learned more about their research in key areas including plant sciences, bioinformatics, public health and education.

One of many highlights was a special 40th anniversary celebration attended by more than 100 current and former UMSAEP participants. The event brought together key figures from throughout the partnership’s rich history, including former UWC Rector & Vice Chancellor Tyrone Pretorius. Phoebe Gerwel, wife of former UWC Rector & Vice Chancellor Jakes Gerwel, and Judith O’Connell, wife of former UWC Rector & Vice Chancellor Brian O’Connell, were also in attendance, along with representatives from the U.S. Consulate General in Cape Town. Despite the time difference, many faculty from all four UM campuses participated virtually to show their support.

I am grateful to all at UWC for the warm reception, especially Rector & Vice Chancellor Robert Balfour and Director of International Relations Dr. Tasmeera Singh. I also want to recognize UMSAEP Founding Director Ron Turner and UMSAEP Director Uphoff for their dedication to the program’s success, along with President Emeritus C. Peter Magrath and former members of the Board of Curators who established the partnership, including then-chair Tom Smith, Ed Turner, James Anderson, Jean Epple, Doug Russell, John Lichtenegger, W.H. Bates, Eva Frazer and Peter Raven.

We look forward to welcoming UWC leaders to Missouri in September as we continue to recognize our shared accomplishments and explore new opportunities that bring lasting impact.

— Mun