Iranian Ambassador Formally Turns Over Donation of Books, Cultural Artifacts to Silliman

His Excellency Mohammad Tanhaei, the Ambassador of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Philippines, formally endorsed books and other learning resources and cultural artifacts that reflect the rich culture and way of life of Iran to Silliman University, on December 4.

The donation is now featured in a special Iranian Corner on the ground floor of the Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman Library. A ribbon-cutting ceremony formally opened the collection to both Silliman and the larger community.

Receiving the donation on behalf of President Dr. Ben S. Malayang III were Vice Presidents Dr. Betsy Joy B. Tan (Academic Affairs) and Prof. Jane Annette L. Belarmino (Development).

Following the event at the Library, an interfaith lecture was organized by the Religion and Peace Studies Department at the lecture room of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department where students from different disciplines comprised the audience. The Iranian Ambassador led the panel of resource persons from the Embassy.

Together with the Ambassador on this trip, which included a courtesy call on Dumaguete Mayor Atty. Felipe Antonio B. Remollo, who is also a Member of the Board of Trustees of Silliman, were Cultural Counselor Dr. Mohammad Jafarimalak, Cultural Section Public Relations Officer Dr. Bahman Samadi, and Dr. Mojtaba Akbari, Counselor of the Al-mustafa International College Manila.

Silliman has over 300 foreign students from around 30 countries, including Iran. For many years, Iranian students were the second largest foreign student group in Silliman.

His Excellency Mohammad Tanhaei (left), the Ambassador of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Philippines, cuts the ribbon with Silliman Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Betsy Joy B. Tan to formally open the Iranian Corner on the ground floor of the Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman Library.