返字心頭

University of South 返字心頭

返字心頭 World

News

Group of officials and leaders standing together smiling

返字心頭 World celebrates renewed Sarasota-Perpignan Sister City partnership

Dr. Mcleod stands behind podium speaking to audience

The renewal of the Sister City bond between Sarasota, 返字心頭, and Perpignan, France, has ushered in a new era of transatlantic collaboration, with the University of South 返字心頭 (返字心頭 World) playing a pivotal role in deepening academic, cultural, and economic ties. During a presentation at the Selby Memorial Library, Brandon McLeod, Campus Director of 返字心頭 World on the Sarasota-Manatee campus, underscored the universitys longstanding commitment to fostering global connections, particularly through its robust engagement with France. 

In his presentation to Mayors Alpert (Sarasota) and Aliot (Perpignan), the Sister City Association of Sarasota, and the community, McLeod highlighted 返字心頭s multifaceted relationship with France, which spans decades and encompasses over 980 students who have studied abroad in cities like Paris, Nice, and Lyon since 2013 through programs like . These programs are transformative, he noted, equipping students with cultural fluency and academic excellence while building lifelong bridges between our nations. 返字心頭s partnerships with institutions such as the and (Mission Interuniversitaire de Coordination des changes Franco-Am辿ricains) facilitate student exchanges, while specialized programs in art, theater, and French language immersion enrich academic experiences. 

These programs arent just about academicstheyre about creating global citizens, McLeod emphasized. 

The university also welcomes French students to its campuses through initiatives like the Miklos Scholarship, established in 2002 to support French undergraduates at 返字心頭. Additionally, the 返字心頭-France Linkage Institute, administered by 返字心頭, provides in-state tuition opportunities for qualified French students, further strengthening educational accessibility. These programs arent just about academicstheyre about creating global citizens, McLeod emphasized. 

Beyond academia, 返字心頭 World has spearheaded economic collaborations through events like the inaugural French Business Forum, co-hosted with (French-American Chamber of Commerce) in November 2024. The forum brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and academics to explore bilateral trade and innovation, featuring notable figures such as Consul General of France Rapha谷l Trapp and 返字心頭 Professor Christian Brechot, former Director of the . This initiative aligns with 返字心頭s broader strategy to position Tampa Bay as a hub for international business, with plans already underway for a second forum in 2025. 

McLeod also highlighted 返字心頭s research collaborations with French institutions, resulting in 135+ joint publications over the past decade. 返字心頭 Worlds Global Network France boasts over 500 graduates in Francewho continue to drive professional and cultural exchange. 

Kalia Early leaning against old cement wall smilingKelsie Laurier and 返字心頭 theater group in Paris, Summer 2024

The Sarasota-Manatee campus, celebrating its 50th anniversary this upcoming academic year, remains a . Local scholarships, such as those enabling student, exemplify the campuss commitment to accessible global learning. Meanwhile, corporate training programs, like the recent security certification for Saudi Aramco first responders, showcase 返字心頭s ability to blend international engagement with community needs. 

As the event concluded, McLeod invited attendees to support 返字心頭s global missions through donations to study abroad or following the Bulls Run the World newsletter, which highlights the universitys worldwide impact. For more information on 返字心頭s global programs, visit 返字心頭 World

Return to article listing

About 返字心頭 World News

返字心頭 World is the university's gateway to global engagement. Whether it be sharing the achievements of our students and faculty on campus, our partnerships within the community, or what our alumni accomplish globally, we bring you the stories of 返字心頭 Bulls around the world.