Baker cited the “extensive record of accomplishment” of Her Royal Highness. He noted she has worked in heritage protection, development of traditional Thai music and creation of an electronic corpus of the modern Thai language. She also established Chulalongkorn University’s Sirindhorn Thai Language Institute, promoting teaching, learning and assessment of the Thai language.
In honor of the royal visit, an exhibition titled, “Tai Cultures at Northern Illinois University,” will continue to be on display through noon Thursday, Sept. 19, in Room 203 of Altgeld Hall.
In honor of the royal visit, an exhibition titled, “Tai Cultures at Northern Illinois University,” will continue to be on display through noon Thursday, Sept. 19, in Altgeld Hall 203.
The NIU president also highlighted the involvement by Her Royal Highness in the Thai Red Cross Society and in organizations promoting education, cultural preservation, support for disabled veterans, development projects and environmental preservation. She serves as president of a foundation awarding prizes annually to members of the international community for outstanding contributions to medicine and public health.
Other speakers at the event included NIU Professor Emeritus Clark Neher, an internationally recognized specialist in Southeast Asian politics, with an emphasis on Thailand. He previously served as CSEAS director and lived for six years in Bangkok.
“Northern Illinois University is a focus for Thai studies, and thousands of American and international students who have studied here or learned from Northern graduates have gained knowledge about and respect for the kingdom,” Neher said. “On this special occasion, we congratulate and honor Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. By this celebration, we know that our relationship will continue to progress and flourish.”
- See more at: http://www.niutoday.info/2013/09/18/princess-of-thailand-gets-royal-niu-welcome/#sthash.CWMSG8Uk.RuGycJ2N.dpuf