by Michele Coffill

International relations major Nicolaus Solecki visited the Padnos International Center (PIC) two years ago with the thought of studying abroad for a semester. He had in mind going to London or maybe Oslo, Norway.

With an open mind and after a few email exchanges, Solecki ended up spending a year in Krakow, Poland. When he graduates next year, Solecki will have a dual degree from Grand Valley and the Cracow University of Economics.

“I started thinking of a semester study abroad program but PIC emailed me about the opportunity to go to CUE,” said Solecki, a native of Flushing. “When I’m done I will come away with two degrees for the price of one.”

Solecki is participating in the Studies in Trans-Atlantic International Relations (STAIR) program, which was established in 2008 with funding from the U.S. Department of Education and the European Union.

Although STAIR is no longer fully funded, it is one example of the many collaborative programs and exchanges between Grand Valley and Cracow University of Economics. The two institutions are celebrating a 40-year partnership this year; festivities began in Poland in May when President Thomas J. Haas received an honorary degree, and will end in December when CUE Rector Andrzej Chochol is honored at Grand Valley’s commencement.

CUE is Grand Valley’s oldest international partner. President Emeritus Arend D. Lubbers signed the initial partner agreement with CUE officials in 1975.

Solecki enjoyed his CUE classes and being in central Europe. “I visited Budapest, Vienna and Prague,” he said. “There were a lot of other international students in Krakow. Every Monday night was student night and I even met another student from Grand Valley.”

Solecki was in the audience at CUE when Haas gave a convocation address and received an honorary degree. “I had an opportunity to go to another ceremony where CUE faculty were named full professors. It was very much like an old European, medieval ceremony,” he said.

Polly Diven, professor and director of the International Relations program, has visited CUE several times and presented lectures there. “It’s a beautiful, historic city,” Diven said. “The campus is easy to get around and the faculty are easy to get to know.”

CUE faculty members have visited Allendale, and Diven said that has added to the globalization of Grand Valley.

“We have had many faculty members teach classes here, so even if students don’t travel, it makes for a more international classroom, hearing their ideas and learning about their backgrounds,” she said.

Solecki will return to CUE next year to defend his thesis on trans-Atlantic trade and investment partners. “Going abroad to study and learn shows that you are willing to work with other cultures, and you are going beyond your comfort zone,” he said.

Highlights of a 40-year partnership

1975 Grand Valley faculty members Christine Rydel and Ezra Gearhart, plus members of the Grand Rapids Polish Heritage Society, travel to Poland to establish further contacts in Krakow.

1978 First CEU faculty scholar visits Grand Valley.

1981 Lubbers presents honorary doctorate to Rector Antoni Fajferek at Grand Valley commencement.

1989 Lubbers receives CUE honorary doctorate.

2005 30th year of partnership, more than 275 Grand Valley students have studied at CUE.

2008 STAIR (Studies in Trans-Atlantic International Relations) program begins. Students from both universities can obtain dual degrees, increases opportunities for faculty exchanges. Program jointly funded by the U.S. Department of Education and the European Union.

2013 Funding for STAIR program ends.

2015 Haas receives honorary doctorate and signs new five-year agreement.