Alan Llavore | Office of Marketing and Communications | (909) 537-5007 | allavore@csusb.edu
California State University, San Bernardino President Tomás D. Morales is the recipient of an honorary degree from Caucasus University in Tbilisi, Georgia.
“We extend our highest appreciation for your exceptional achievements and recognize your significant contribution to the development of Caucasus University’s international standing and your distinguished service to Georgia,” said Caucasus University President Kakha Shengelia.
He added that the honorary doctorate, formally presented to Morales on July 26 in Tbilisi, was awarded to the president in “acknowledgment of your outstanding professional and social accomplishments.”
“It is truly an honor of a lifetime to be recognized by Caucasus University with an honorary degree,” said Morales. “I believe deeply in building student academic success, both in my home nation but also globally. Access to and participation in higher education not only transforms the lives of individual students, it also transforms the lives of their families, their home communities and their nations.”
He noted that it is not enough simply to grow higher education within our own countries. “No, we need to bring our students together and provide them with the opportunities to study internationally themselves and to bring international students and faculty to visit their home institutions.”
He emphasized that global connections between and among universities for students and for faculty can help us all to thrive, and to build a better tomorrow.
The celebrations began with a dinner the evening of July 25, followed by the commencement ceremony and awarding of the honorary degree the following day.
Morales’ passion for promoting international relationships in higher education aligns with Caucasus University’s international education goals. “Caucasus University is leading the way,” he said. “Everyone here today should be very proud of your university’s leadership in international higher education.”