Her University of Michigan It is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the United States and the world. It is published and stands out for its research activity. The Catalan Jordi RibasMicrosoft Corporate Vice President and international prestige expert in the field of artificial intelligence, and his wife, Laurahave made possible the creation from a place of professor of Catalan Studies at the aforementioned universitythrough an entirely private financial endowment.
Her Ribas Family Early Career Teacherrship in Catalan and Romance Studies It involves the consolidation of teaching and research in Catalan studies at the University of Michigan and expands its impact on North America. The donation guarantees that there is a fixed title teacher, with academic continuity, international projection and a stable space for the research and dissemination of the Catalan language and culture. The agreement between the Ribas family, which resides in the state of Washington, and the university has already been approved and signed, and it is planned that studies will launch it by 2026.
The University of Michigan that is among the 25 best universities in the world according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, is part of the Llullthe University Network of Catalan Studies abroad, and during the academic year 2023-2024 two Catalan language and culture subjects were offered, with thirty students. This initiative will strengthen the relationship between the University, the Ramon Llull Institute and the rest of the universities that make up the Llull Network. The Institute will intensify its collaboration with this center, expanding the program of cultural and academic activities related to Catalan.
The private endowment in the form ofendowment o Academic sponsorship gives strength and sustainability to the projection of Catalan culture internationally. These types of initiatives contribute to collective progress, opening new spaces for exchange and collaboration, and helping to preserve and disseminate cultural heritage, while promoting research and dissemination.
The Ribas family’s desire is for this initiative to become a small seed, and will continue to work with the Institut Ramon Llull so that other Catalan families or foundations are encouraged to establish permanent places of Catalan -speaking teachers in leading universities around the world.