ANKENY, Iowa—The President and several other officials from Kosovo took time this week to visit the Ankeny Campus of Des Moines Area Community College.  President Hashim Thaҫi and other officials from the Balkan nation were at DMACC to welcome and celebrate the 28 Kosovo women who are spending the next two years at DMACC studying a number of energy-related fields.  Upon completion of their studies, the Kosovo women will use their business-ready skills in energy-related jobs in their home country.

DMACC President Rob Denson (left) visits with the Republic of Kosovo President Hashim Thaҫi on the DMACC Ankeny Campus

Part of the ceremony at the Ankeny Campus involved recognition of the Women in Energy program.

(Left to Right)Millennium Foundation Kosovo CEO Petrit Selimi, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Kosovo President Hashim Thaҫi and DMACC President Rob Denson sign a proclamation at a news conference on the DMACC Ankeny Campus

Kosovo Chef Perparim Babalija worked with the DMACC Iowa Culinary Institute™ students in preparing the Kosovo gourmet dinner, held immediately after the news conference.

Here Babalija pours dill oil on caramelized watermelon, black truffle, cream cheese and smoked trout roe.

(contributed article and photos, DMACC)