COLUMBIA Shipmanagement is financing a Chair in Strategic Management at the University of Cyprus’ Department of Public and Business Administration, it has been announced.
The Campaign Manager of the University’s Development Office wouldn’t reveal the exact amount of the donation but said it was enough to finance a full professor’s chair for five years.
“In the framework of their social contribution, Columbia Shipmanagement generously supports our fundraising campaign. According to the company, giving to higher education is a noble act and a way to actively contribute to the development and prosperity of the island,” she said.
Columbia’s founder, Heinrich Schoeller, said: “I am deeply touched and extremely happy that the University of Cyprus has provided us the opportunity to support Cyprus, which I consider my second homeland. I also appreciate the fact that Columbia Shipmanagement, a company established in Cyprus, has always been welcome in this country. So, it is with great pleasure that we decided to support the University. Giving to higher education felt like an obligation and a way to contribute towards the development and growth of our society. I hope that the example we have set will be followed by other companies.”
The Chair will give students the opportunity to specialise in strategic management, an area of fundamental importance in today’s business.
“In teaching, the Chair aims to cultivate critical and autonomous thinking in students that will eventually mature into creative vision,” the Campaign Manager said.
“Strategic Management is gradually becoming an area of primary importance for businesses in Cyprus. The accession of Cyprus to the European Union, coupled with the increasing globalisation of world markets, have reduced protective regulation which has shielded free competition.”
Back in October 2003, the University launched a major fundraising campaign under the title ‘University of Cyprus 2010: Towards European Excellence,’ with the aim of enhancing its role in society by attracting potential benefactors. This is a first in the history of the University. The campaign aims to attract philanthropic support from affluent members of society in Cyprus and abroad.
The campaign is managed through a Development Office that reports directly to the Rector of the University, who has been heading the fundraising activities.
So far, the campaign has succeeded in integrating the University with potential benefactors by establishing endowed chairs, securing funding for scholarships and fellowships, and supporting the development of the new campus.
The fundraising campaign is headed by a National Support Committee, which acts as a think-tank, forming policy on fundraising issues while a “Trust” is being set up to be in charge of managing and investing the raised capital and assets to the institutions’ maximum long-term interest. Membership to both bodies includes university trustees and corporate leaders from the greater community.
Columbia Shipmanagement Managing Director Dirk Fry explained that, “we have been in Cyprus since 1978 and have been well treated and successful and want to give something back to the country. The donation is considerable and we are pleased to contribute towards the University, which is a very important institution on the island. We feel that it is our duty to support Cyprus’ economy and education and this is one way of doing so.”
