Ohio University and the University of Leipzig renewed an existing Memorandum of Understanding on Monday in celebration of a 20-year partnership between the two institutions.

University of Leipzig President Beate A. Schücking arrived in Athens Sunday for the occasion. Leipzig is located in Germany.

The Memorandum of Understanding was originally signed on June 23, 1994, and takes steps to ensure that students and faculty at both universities are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly interconnected world.

"Together we have fostered a long-term friendship between Ohio University and the University of Leipzig,” OHIO President Roderick J. McDavis said. “This relationship has been very productive and greatly benefitted our students and faculty, but also our two countries. We are very honored to play a small role in the remaking of a great university that is very integral to our university communities and academic experience for our students and faculty.”

Approximately 100 students and faculty who have been involved in Leipzig programs gathered in the Multicultural Center to witness the signing and formally welcome Schücking to Ohio University. The event marked a second round of celebrations for the universities, following a summer anniversary party at the University of Leipzig.

The 20-year partnership between the University of Leipzig and Ohio University has been defined by the sharing of knowledge and cultural exchange, which is fostered through the Ohio-Leipzig European Center (OLEC) in Leipzig.

Created in 2000, OLEC provides Ohio University's second- and third-year students the chance to study the arts and sciences, as well as German language, at a historic European university. To date, more than 500 students from OHIO and the University of Leipzig have taken advantage of the opportunity to study at the partner institution.

"Our relationship with the University of Leipzig has provided many students and faculty with unique academic opportunities," Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit said. "I am often told by those who have studied, taught or researched there about the benefits they received from being at one of Europe's great universities."