Courtesy of Savannah State University
The King and Queen of the Netherlands stopped by Savannah State University during their official state visit to the U.S. on June 11. The HBCU was the only institution for higher education they visited during their stay.
âWe are profoundly honored to have hosted the Royal Couple and showcase SSUâs dynamic students and faculty as well as our world-class programs,â Interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander said, according to the Savannah Business Journal.
They were given a campus tour and attended symposiums on marine science, AI and international Black business. The royal couple was also given a cultural heritage presentation that included a performance by a jazz band. They were seen swag surfing with members of SSUâs marching band.
LeAndrea Mikell, SSUâs Interim VP of University Advancement, said the visit will be a good recruiting tool in the future, according to WTOC. The visit is the result of a partnership between the HBCU and the World Trade Center Savannah. Discussions concerning ties between SSU and the Netherlands started in December 2023. The university learned it would be receiving the Dutch royal couple in March.
âYesterdayâs visit is the first phase of SSUâs commitment with the Netherlands to foster global collaboration and address critical issues through academic excellence and cultural and student exchange,â Alexander said per the Savannah Business Journal. âFuture engagements will include identifying internships and jobs with Netherlandsâ companies for our world-class students.â
SSU is the first institution of higher education in Savannah, as well as the first public HBCU in Georgia.