May 01, 2007
Queens, N.Y. -
African students at American colleges and universities will have
more opportunities than ever to support the growing economic and
political strength evident in many of their home countries, said
Robert Heater, Vice-Consul of the American Embassy in
Cameroon, on April 12 at St. John’s University.
Mr. Heater delivered his remarks at the University’s annual
African Students Association (ASA) Awards Dinner. Led by nations
like Cameroon, said Mr. Heater, Africa will be a growing source of
new business opportunities over the next decade.
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Though currently based in Cameroon, Mr. Heater received this
year’s Africa Service Award for his professional contributions in
five African nations. Sponsored by the ASA and the University’s new
Africana Studies program, the award dinner is the capstone event
for University’s diverse community of international students from
continental Africa.
Members of the ASA represent a wide variety of nations,
including Benin, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana,
Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal South Africa, Tanzania,
Togo, Tunisia and Zimbabwe. Members also represent many non-African
nations, including Bulgaria, Pakistan, Russia and the United
States.