Statement of American University of Nigeria President Dr. Margee Ensign on the Death of Dr. Robert Pastor

Yola Adamawa State, Nigeria (PRWEB) January 13, 2014

It is with great sadness that the American University of Nigeria, (AUN) has learned of the passing of one of its greatest friends and benefactors, Dr Robert Pastor.

A world famous scholar and educator, Professor Pastor’s career was devoted to the achievement of world peace and understanding. His interests spanned the entire globe. From his early days as a Peace Corps volunteer and as a Fulbright Scholar, Professor Pastor sought to foster democracy and education. He not only served on the faculties of Emory and American Universities but also was a creative force behind the Center for North American Studies and the Center for Democracy and Election Management. His government work included serving on the US National Security Council in the White House, where he was President Carter’s advisor on Latin American Affairs.

While as Vice President for International Affairs at the American University in Washington D.C., Professor Pastor worked very closely with AUN’s founder, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, in the planning and creation of the American University of Nigeria, the first American-style university to be established in sub-Saharan Africa. He went on to serve on the Board of Trustees of AUN and recently returned to the Yola campus for a final farewell visit at which time he received an AUN Honorary Doctorate degree.

The entire American University of Nigeria community joins together in offering our most sincere condolences to Professor Pastor’s family and friends. The world has been diminished by his passing.

The American University of Nigeria was established in 2003 by Nigeria’s former Vice President, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, along with other local and international statesmen and academic leaders. The institution was conceived as Africa’s first Development University. Its mission is to pioneer service learning and build leaders who will be prepared to tackle societal concerns. Located in Yola, Adamawa State, the University is a world-class career-oriented institution missioned to be an agent of change in the development of the region. AUN has a strong commitment to providing the skills and the leadership essential to solving the continent’s critical social and economic problems. The university offers an American-style education modeled after the curriculum of American universities.    

Conover + Gould Strategic Communications is sending this information on behalf of the American University of Nigeria. Additional information will be on file with the Department of Justice, Washington, District of Columbia.

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