South American Alumni Club Welcomes Massachusetts Governor

The joint MIT/Harvard alumni club in Colombia recently welcomed Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick when he was in South America on the Massachusetts-Colombia Innovation Partnership Mission to promote job creation and expand economic opportunity in the Commonwealth.

US Ambassador P. Michael McKinley hosted a special reception at his residence in Bogota, and the MIT Alumni Association partnered with Governor Patrick's office to invite local alumni. At the event, the club made Governor Patrick an honorary member and gave him three books: one each about Harvard, MIT, and Colombia (shown below).

During his visit, Governor Patrick and Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formalize collaboration between Massachusetts and Colombia in the areas of science, technology, and innovation. According to Governor Patrick's office, the MOU will promote "collaboration and partnerships among public and private institutions, universities, research centers, non-governmental organizations, and citizens. Included in the MOU is a call for partnerships in health and several life sciences industry sectors, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and tropical disease research."

The agreement also calls for collaboration on clean energy, transportation, urban development, agriculture, and information technology sectors including aerospace, security technology, and health.

Learn more about the trip.

Prior to the Governor's visit, the MIT Harvard Club of Colombia was honored with the Harvard Alumni Association Clubs and Shared Interest Group Recognition Award for its outstanding and innovative work in areas such as membership, technology, community service, succession planning, programming, schools and scholarship, and outreach.

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