President Lennart Meri was promoted to a Honorary Doctor of Law of St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota today. Olaf Millert, Professor Emeritus of Psychology of St. Olaf College said when introducing President Meri that he was elected the Honorary Doctor of Law as one of the promoters of global projects of our quickly changing time, a social figure renowned in Estonia and in the world. On the 125th year of the College, also the close ties between the Estonian Lutheran Church and the college established by the Lutherans mostly of Norwegian origin were taken into account when electing the Honorary Doctor. Throughout the years, many Estonian students have studied there – the literary scholar Professor Ivar Ivask has worked at the college for 17 years, and Olaf Millert, professor of Psychology, for 43 years.

On the promotion ceremony that took place in the college chapel, the President thanked the college for finding job opportunities for the Estonian intellectuals after World War II, and spoke also of the common history of Estonia and the Nordic countries. Priit Raig's ''To Fatherland'' and ''March of the Pori Regiment'' were played on the ceremony.

The whole ceremony was broadcast on the college radio that can be heard in all the Mid-Western States.

Before the festive ceremony, President Meri and the College President Mark Edwards discussed co-operation possibilities between the Estonian Universities and the St. Olaf College, for which preparations have been made already on earlier meetings with the Estonian representatives. At St. Olaf College, many students participate in various exchange programs, and the College has one of the greatest relative number of students participating in exchange programs in the United States of America; the students mostly go to the Nordic countries; and participate actively also in the activities of the Peace Corps. As President Meri said, the students of St. Olaf are very welcome to Estonia. Also Sven Jürgenson, Estonian Ambassador to the United States, participated in the meeting.

Today, President Meri will deliver an academic lecture at the St. Olaf College; President Lennart Meri and Mrs. Helle Meri will this evening also meet the Estonians living in the Twin City of St. Pauls and Minneapolis.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, April 6, 2000

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