Updated 6/16/11
Debbie Watson recently interviewed Pat Mitchell, a 2000 Intel retiree who visited Kazakhstan during a sabbatical and has returned every year thereafter. He has recently been honored by having a university in Kazakhstan name their Computer Lab after him. Here is his interesting story.
In summary, Oregon retiree Pat Mitchell has been volunteering in the Republic of Kazakhstan. He teaches business computer programming at the Kazakh-American Free University (KAFU). Pat started as a volunteer teacher, but, impressed with his work, the university named him an Honorary Professor in 2001, then conferred to him in 2009 the full Academic Professor title.
In addition to teaching, Pat directs the Summer Business Immersion Program (SBIP) in the United States. Selected students from KAFU have come to the U.S. for the last 10 years to experience American business and how it operates. The SBIP has expanded from Portland, Oregon to include cities in Texas, Washington, Illinois, Connecticut, and Indiana.
The time Pat devotes to KAFU qualifies for Intel’s Involved Matching Grant Program and the funds it provides. He accrues approximately 1,200 hours per year and Intel pays his nonprofit $10 per hour–up to $10,000 – to support Pat’s volunteerism. Two years ago he was honored as the top Oregon volunteer among employees and retirees.