Preparing Our Educators

Former president of Botswana visits Patton College

Festus Gontebanye Mogae, former president of Botswana, delivers the keynote address at the first Violet L. Patton Lecture Series event of the school year.

ATHENS, Ohio (Oct. 12, 2010)--The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education welcomed Festus Gontebanye Mogae, former president of Botswana, to McCracken Hall on Sept. 28 for the quarterly Violet L. Patton Lecture Series.

In addition to Mogae, the College hosted a panel of individuals who were involved in its relationship with Botswana. In 1979, the College was selected by The Ministry of Education in Botswana and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to help improve and extend primary education in the recently independent nation.

Dr. Yegan Pillay, assistant professor in cultural education at the Patton College, served as moderator of the forum, introducing panelists Dr. Max Evans, Dr. Al Leep, Dr. Steve Howard, Dr. Francis Godwyll and Dr. Milt Ploghoft. Combined, the panel boasted 130 years of association with Ohio University. Each spoke about his involvement with the USAID project and reflected on their experiences. Then, as Pillay taught the crowd, it was time to say “Dumela rre Mogae” (Hello, Mr. Mogae).

Mogae, who served as president from 1998 to 2008, delivered the keynote address, “A Proud Past, A Promising Future: Education for Africa’s Future,” an address that aligned with the Patton College’s theme this year. Established 125 years ago, the College has been celebrating “A Proud Past. A Promising Future.” to highlight its impressive history as well as its bright prospects. Mogae expressed his pride in the progress Botswana has made in education and excitement for its future.

“I am here to give testimony to the vital importance this University has played to the development of our nation” Mogae said.

Mogae’s address stressed the importance of education, noting Botswana’s decision to invest in the education system that led to approaching USAID for help. Mogae, invoking the “teach children to fish” proverb, noted that giving his people an education would best set them up for long-term success.

“The most important thing we could give to our people was not buying them cars or building them houses...it was giving them an education,” Mogae said. “It you give your son an education, no one can take it away.”

Each quarter during the academic year, the Violet L. Patton Lecture Series features a guest speaker who is an advocate of education and/or human services. Over the years, many graduates of The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education and Human Services have served as the keynote speakers. Members and friends of The Patton College value the impact of educators and education advocates such as Festus Gontebanye Mogae within the field of education.

Story by R. Devin Hughes.