I had the privilege of collaborating with Dr. Lakhdar Boukerrou during his Fulbright program in Zimbabwe where I was posted as the Director of International Engagement at the U.S. Embassy in Harare.  Dr. Boukerrou played an instrumental role in advancing U.S. government objectives to promote educational exchange and institutional capacity building.  Notably, he worked with the Women’s University in Africa to establish an international office, a development that will enhance global engagement and create long-term opportunities for faculty and students alike.  In addition, as the Director of International Programs and Global Initiatives, Dr. Boukerrou represented Florida International University with distinction as an invited speaker at the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) conference.  His presentation was both substantive and impactful, contributing meaningfully to dialogue on higher education and international collaboration.  Throughout our work together, Dr. Boukerrou demonstrated professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and a strong commitment to fostering academic partnerships.  He proved to be a valued partner in advancing the Fulbright mission, and I commend his contributions.

As the Former Director of the Center for Environment Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa, it is my great honor to acknowledge the outstanding collaboration I have had with Dr. Lakhdar Boukerrou in the design and implementation of the UPGRADE Program to Enhance U.S.–South Africa University Partnerships. Dr. Boukerrou’s leadership, vision, and commitment were instrumental in shaping this initiative, which has focused on strengthening capacity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) while also advancing knowledge and skills in university research administration at four South African universities.  Through his efforts, the program created meaningful opportunities for student and faculty mobility, providing South Africans with access to international academic experiences and fostering long-term institutional partnerships.  Dr. Boukerrou’s deep understanding of higher education systems, combined with his ability to bring together diverse stakeholders, ensured that the UPGRADE Program achieved its objectives with measurable impact.  His professionalism, integrity, and dedication have left a lasting legacy, and I look forward to continuing our fruitful collaboration in the future.

It is with great appreciation that I acknowledge the outstanding collaboration we have enjoyed with Dr. Lakhdar Boukerrou over the years at the University of Oum El Bouaghi.  He has played a pivotal role in advancing our institution’s international engagement through insightful lectures on partnerships, research collaboration, and best practices in global higher education.  These contributions have not only enriched our academic community but also inspired faculty and students to actively pursue new opportunities abroad.  A particularly notable achievement has been the successful implementation of the Tabadul Project, which significantly strengthened our capacity for exchange and cooperation. Dr. Boukerrou’s expertise, vision, and tireless commitment were central to ensuring that the project achieved its goals and left a lasting impact on our institution.  We deeply value his continued partnership and look forward to further collaborations and support that promote mutual understanding and academic excellence.

I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Lakhdar Boukerrou for more than 30 years, and during this time I have witnessed his unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and service.  As both a trusted friend and colleague, I remain inspired by his vision and dedication.  In his role as President of the Algerian American Association for Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship (AAASTE), he has shown extraordinary leadership—bringing people together across cultures and disciplines to advance science, technology, and entrepreneurship in Algeria.  His ability to connect ideas with action, and people with opportunity, has enabled the Association to achieve milestones once thought impossible.  What makes him exceptional is not only his professional acumen, but also his generosity of time, spirit, and humility.  He leads with wisdom, listens with respect, and empowers those around him, especially the young. It is an honor to serve alongside him and call him a friend.

I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Lakhdar Boukerrou since our days in Burkina Faso, and over the years I have witnessed his unwavering dedication to community development, education, and empowerment.  As a volunteer board member of the Barka Foundation, Dr. Boukerrou brought not only his wealth of international experience but also his deep compassion and commitment to service.  His strategic insights, tireless efforts, and ability to build partnerships greatly strengthened our foundation’s mission and impact.  He contributed significantly to shaping our programs, ensuring they were sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of the communities we serve.  What stands out most about Dr. Boukerrou is his generosity of spirit and his belief in empowering others to succeed.  His leadership, wisdom, and integrity have left a lasting mark on our foundation, and I am honored to call him both a colleague and a trusted friend.

It has been a true privilege to collaborate with Dr. Lakhdar Boukerrou over the course of our three-year Tabadul Exchange project.  His vision and leadership were instrumental in shaping this initiative, which has become a lasting academic bridge between our institutions. From the very beginning, it was his foresight, alongside his colleagues at FIU, that gave life to this endeavor.  Dr. Boukerrou’s commitment was evident in every aspect of his involvement—most notably during his visits to our university, where his insightful lectures enriched our academic community and embodied the essence of intellectual exchange.  Beyond his scholarly contributions, he consistently demonstrated remarkable professionalism, competence, and availability.  His impact continues well beyond our project, most recently through his pivotal role in establishing the Center for Excellence in Writing at the University of Constantine 3 and other initiatives that reflect his ability to transform vision into reality.  Dr. Boukerrou is an inspiring scholar, a collaborative leader, and a true catalyst for lasting academic and professional impact.

I had the great privilege of working with Dr. Lakhdar Boukerrou in 2009 during the creation of the Career Center at the University of Constantine 1 – Frères Mentouri.  Dr. Boukerrou’s vision and dedication were truly inspiring, setting a solid foundation for a center that continues to serve generations of students.  Dr. Boukerrou demonstrated remarkable leadership, combining professionalism with genuine care for people.  He encouraged innovation and collaboration, making every team member feel valued.  I personally learned a great deal from him, both professionally and personally.  His ability to transform ideas into concrete achievements left a lasting impression on me.  He guided us with patience, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to excellence.  Working alongside him was a unique opportunity that shaped my own career path.  His mentorship inspired me to always aim higher and stay committed to meaningful impact.  I remain grateful for his influence and honored to have shared such a rewarding journey with Dr. Boukerrou.