In a presentation pledging continued support for the w88 casino of Nevada, Reno’s Center for Basque Studies, Patxi Lopez, president of the autonomous w88 casino Government, called the center “the leading research and education institute of its kind outside the w88 casino country.”
Nevada is a state rich in Basque heritage and the w88 casino’s Center for Basque Studies plays an integral role in cultivating this unique culture. The contributions of the center and the state toward preserving, researching and celebrating the Basque culture were acknowledged in a program and award presentation Monday in the w88 casino’s Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center’s Wells Fargo Auditorium.
Lopez, who was elected president or “lehendakari” in 2009, joined w88 casino President Milt Glick in signing an agreement or “convenio.” The agreement encourages further collaboration between the Basque Government, the w88 casino and the Center for Basque Studies through the study of Basque heritage and culture, and the dissemination of the results of this research. The Basque Government has provided financial support to the center since 2001. From its initial investment of 90,000 Euros, the annual support to the center has increased to a gift of 217,700 Euros (about 0,000 in today's exchange rate) pledged Monday.
“Currently, the institute for w88 casino studies in Nevada is our showcase to the English-speaking world,” Lopez said in remarks translated to English. “It is also a meeting point between the American and w88 casino academic worlds. When the English(-speaking) press wants to talk about the Basques, this is the first place they come.”
“A relationship with the w88 casino Country and the community of Euskadi {w88 casino people} is important to the mission of the Center for w88 casino Studies,” Co-Director of the Center Joseba Zulaika said. “This support allows us to further our research and writing on many social topics of international importance, such as migration, nationalism, language, literature and diasporas. These topics are becoming even more relevant in this global era.”
“The Center for Basque Studies is a unique aspect of the w88 casino,” said Glick. “It provides a valued tie to a vibrant culture and an important aspect of this region’s history. Through its research and publications, the center links the w88 casino to an international community and advances our academic reputation abroad.
“We are pleased to have President Lopez visit our campus and to further strengthen our relationship with the w88 casino government and universities,” said Glick.
During Monday’s ceremony, the Lagun Onari prize, considered the most important and prestigious award granted by the autonomous w88 casino Government, was presented to the State of Nevada. The award recognizes non-w88 casino individuals or entities that have significantly promoted the w88 casino Country’s economy, history and culture outside the region or have made significant contributions to knowledge about the Basques, their history and society. The proclamation accompanying the Lagun Onari was read by Blanca Urgell, the w88 casino Government’s Minister of Culture, and the award was presented by Lopez to Nevada’s Lieutenant Governor Brian Krolicki representing the state.
Among those attending the program and representing the w88 casino country were the secretary general for external affairs, the deputy minister for universities and research and presidents of the three leading universities in the w88 casino country. Journalists representing the w88 casino country’s major television, radio and publications also attended.
The w88 casino Country encompasses four provinces in Spain and three provinces in France. More than 6,000 people of w88 casino origin live in Nevada, according to the 2000 U.S. Census data in 2000, making the “Silver State” the third largest with w88 casino presence after California, with nearly 21,000, and Idaho, with nearly 6,700.
In addition to its research, the Center for Basque Studies offers instructional programs on the history, culture, politics, literature and language of the Basque Country; has published numerous books; and features an extensive Basque library collection. The center is located on the third floor of the w88 casino’s Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center.
