Utah Universities and Iran
In this age of global communication, more access to quality education for Iranian students could bring more friendship and understanding between Iranians and Americans. Since the early 19th century, Utah universities have been offering Iranian students education. During an irrigation conference in Canada in 1912, John Widtsoe (1872-1952), then president of Utah State University, met a young Iranian diplomat, Mirza Ali Gholi Khan, Consul General for the Shah of Persia [Iran]. A renowned scientist, author, and academic. Widtsoe built on his friendship with Gholi Khan, exchanging information about irrigation methods, Utah’s ecology, and how similar it is to Iran. Gholi Khan wrote to Widstoe, offering him information about Iran, Persian culture and poetry, as well as its topography and similarities to Utah. In 1915, Widstoe invited the Iranian Consul General to speak at Utah State University’s graduation ceremony. In 1922, Utah State University welcomed its first Iranian student.
The historical friendship that began in 1912 has led to thousands of Iranians getting their education from Utah State University, Brigham Young University, and the University of Utah. Many professors, peace corps volunteers, and aid workers from Utah have visited Iran and lived there. Many of them are still residing in Utah, and their presence provides a rich environment for the enhancement and expansion of Iranian civil society interaction.
Click here for a copy of Professor Garlitz’s book.
