Habib University is acknowledged at Stanford’s NECHE
In Karachi, Habib University’s innovative vision aimed at delivering quality education to high-achieving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds has positioned Pakistan at the forefront of global higher education discourse.
The university’s recognition as a leading liberal arts institution transforming higher education in the global South gained significant acknowledgment in two significant events in the USA – the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) Annual Meeting 2023 and a celebration of global philanthropy held at Stanford University.
Habib University made history as the first Pakistani institution invited to address NECHE, a revered accreditation body known for its dedication to quality, innovation, and student success in higher education. At this esteemed platform, President Wasif Rizvi introduced the concept of “international agility.” This encapsulates the university’s unique approach to higher education, emphasizing a comprehensive grasp of one’s reality and indigenous knowledge, empowering students to contribute as informed global citizens.
The university’s model underscores inclusivity, ensuring deserving students access quality higher education regardless of financial constraints. Acknowledging the contributions of its beneficiaries, Habib University hosted a landmark event, “Transformative Gifts: Creating Legacies,” at Stanford University in celebration of the remarkable Dhanani and Jeewanjee families’ contributions.
Addressing the event, President Rizvi expressed the university’s mission to elevate academic standards in Pakistan and position Karachi as a hub for high-caliber academics. He emphasized the university’s role in unveiling Pakistan’s true potential and vibrancy.
The legacies established by these families, such as the Dhanani School of Science and Engineering and the Imam Ali (AS) Endowed Faculty Chair in Wisdom and Humanities, reflect the rich tradition of US philanthropy recognizing higher education’s transformative impact on global change.
Dr. Alexander Key, Associate Professor of Comparative Literature at Stanford University, praised Habib University’s Liberal Core as intellectually exciting and rigorously structured, surpassing standards set at Stanford. Sarah Stein Greenberg, Executive Director of Stanford University’s d.school, commended Habib University for paving the way in inclusive education and ensuring equal access to knowledge and opportunities across Pakistan.
This event, uniting attendees from diverse US cities and participants on Stanford’s campus, bolstered Pakistan’s positive narrative. It facilitated insightful discussions on Pakistan’s higher education challenges, class-based student marginalization, and deeper societal issues.