HomeNewsUS ambassador shows interest in entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Liechtenstein

US ambassador shows interest in entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Liechtenstein

On her first official visit to the University of Liechtenstein on 16 April 2015, the American ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Suzan (‘Suzi’) LeVine participated in discussions focusing on entrepreneurship, innovation and educational issues. Meetings with students rounded off this sharing of experience and ideas.


On her first official visit to the University of Liechtenstein on 16 April 2015, the American ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Suzan (‘Suzi’) LeVine participated in discussions focusing on entrepreneurship, innovation and educational issues. Meetings with students rounded off this sharing of experience and ideas.  
 

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START UP lunch with students, former students and employees


‘Teaching people skills which are indispensable in the twenty-first century’ – that, in the view of ambassador Suzi LeVine, is one of the most pressing tasks worldwide. On her visit to the University of Liechtenstein she took a particular interest in the university’s entrepreneurial orientation. Students, teachers and successful graduates cast light on the wide variety of courses and opportunities available.  





The annual GUESSS surveys (Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students’ Surveys) have regularly confirmed the higher than average entrepreneurial orientation of students at the University of Liechtenstein.


US ambassador Suzi LeVine (5th from right) visiting the campus notable for its entrepreneurial spirit



Research and new forms of learning

In addition, the US ambassador found out about the international fluid glass research project, which involves the prototype of an innovative façade element for the heating and cooling of buildings. Discussions about new forms of teaching and learning at the University of Liechtenstein, and an informal exchange with students on the subject of social media in a highly personal atmosphere, completed the visit.



Campus tour: experience teaching and research – click here for the FLUID Glass project



‘Students represent the future,’ stressed Suzi LeVine. ‘That is why I try to meet in person as many groups of school children and students as possible, so that I can listen to them and learn something from them in turn.’


The new Seminar Room 7 opens up new forms of teaching and learning to students.



Focus on educational topics

Before taking up her position as representative of the US government, Suzi LeVine had been closely involved with education both in her professional life and in an honorary capacity. She was one of the founders, and later Chair, of the Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences (I-LABS) of the University of Washington – one of the most important research institutes for educational science worldwide. Previously to that she worked for the Microsoft Corporation as Director of Strategic Partnerships for Student Developers and Director of Communications for Education. 


Dialogue with students at the Social Media Café


Storify summary: "Entrepreneurship, innovation, and 'culinary diplomacy'"