President of San Diego State University, Dr. Adela de la Torre has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Tbilisi State University for her special contribution to the development of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Georgia Compact and the deepening of relations between San Diego State University and TSU.

TSU Rector George Sharvashidze said that Adela de la Torre has made a huge contribution to the successful cooperation between TSU and San Diego State University. “We appreciate Dr. Adela de la Torre’s work and achievements, her dedication to the entire university community. Her support to TSU is important for our successful advancement internationally,” Rector Sharvashidze noted.

In her remarks, Dr. Adela de la Torre hailed the collaboration between TSU and San Diego State University, expressing confidence that TSU and San Diego State University will use educational diplomacy needed to address the current situation in Ukraine and around the world. She also noted that the future belongs to public organizations; therefore, it is necessary to start a close collaboration between public organizations.

Magda Magradze, Chief Executive Officer of Millennium Challenge Account-Georgia, said that more than 400 students received American diplomas in Georgia due to the collaboration between TSU and San Diego State University. “It is a very important achievement, because for the first time in Georgia, the American University awards American diplomas. It is noteworthy that Georgia plays a vital role in San Diego University’s global development strategy,” she noted.

Halil Guven, Dean of San Diego State University Georgia (SDSU Georgia), said that San Diego State University supports Georgia’s democratic consolidation and development. He said that Adela de la Torre’s vision about the development of science, technology and education will further continue through the cooperation between the universities.

Dr. Adela de la Torre is the first woman and first Latina to serve as a permanently appointed president of San Diego State University (SDSU). President de la Torre joined SDSU in June 2018 after a distinguished career within the California State University system, the University of Arizona and the University of California, Davis. An accomplished economist, public health researcher and higher education leader for more than three decades, President de la Torre is known for her authenticity and collaborative approach to leading by listening and example.

As part of its visit to Georgia, the academic delegation of San Diego State University led by President de la Torre will attend the graduation ceremony of SDSU Georgia. This year, SDSU Georgia programs have 160 graduates in Georgia.