Strong relationships, visionary leadership hallmarks of MUDEC executive director
Raymond Manes will step down from his role as head of Miami’s Luxembourg campus June 30
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Published
Raymond Manes has spent 20-plus years with MUDEC, Miami University's Luxembourg campus. Manes will step down from his current role as executive director on June 30. (Photo courtesy of Claude Piscitelli)
Strong relationships, visionary leadership hallmarks of MUDEC executive director
Raymond Manes will step down from his role as head of Miami’s Luxembourg campus June 30
•
Published
One of Raymond Manes’ great joys in 20-plus years with Miami University’s John E. Dolibois European Center (MUDEC) has been watching the center grow along with its home city of Differdange, Luxembourg.
As a native Luxembourger, Manes initially knew Differdange as a steel town. Seeing its evolution into an education hub for Miami and other institutions has been gratifying for MUDEC’s executive director.
"I think that MUDEC played an important role in making Differdange into what it is today," Manes said.
Manes has played several roles with MUDEC – proactive visionary and respected leader among them. Manes officially retires as executive director on June 30.
He stepped into the position during an important time. Manes became executive director in 2021, after one year in an interim capacity, helping the university move forward with international education during a global pandemic.
His leadership and spirit of collaboration were instrumental in Miami plotting a positive direction during an uncertain time.
“It was critical to have someone who could see the possibilities beyond that moment,” said Cheryl Young, associate vice president of Global Initiatives. “Miami had been in Luxembourg for over 50 years. It wasn’t time to stop.
“Raymond was open minded. He’s just a ‘get to it’ guy. It’s a great partnership.”
Manes also oversaw the expansion of student housing at Luxembourg and maintains a strong relationship with Luxembourg’s Grand Ducal royal family. In September, Manes organized a visit to the MUDEC campus from Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Henri as part of his farewell tour before the transfer of power.
Manes began his career as a French high school instructor. What interested him beyond educating students were the planning and organization aspects of a school. He initially joined MUDEC as assistant director of administration.
“I have a lot of good memories,” Manes said. “We have wonderful students.
“There is a saying: ‘once Miami, always Miami.’ Even though I am going to retire, I don’t think I am going to disappear. I will stay in one form or another connected to MUDEC.”
Currently, Miami has 168 students attending the Luxembourg campus this semester. Manes counts study tour trips with students among his favorite aspects of MUDEC.
Interacting with alumni is high on that list as well. Manes participated in several MUDEC milestones, including the 50th and 55th anniversary celebrations in Luxembourg.
“The relationships we have with alumni are very rewarding,” Manes said. “You hear it from alumni all the time about how their time in Luxembourg was very life changing.”
Stepping into the executive director role on July 1 will be Stephanie Shaheen, currently director of MUDEC.
Young called Shaheen a “perfect fit for the role.”
“She has built up relationships,” Young said. “Like Raymond, she’s also a visionary.”
As a born and bred Luxembourger, Manes established strong ties in the community during his tenure.
“You won’t go anywhere in Luxembourg where someone doesn’t know him,” Young said. “His relationships in the city of Differdange helped us move forward in a great way.”
As a native Luxembourger, Manes initially knew Differdange as a steel town. Seeing its evolution into an education hub for Miami and other institutions has been gratifying for MUDEC’s executive director.
"I think that MUDEC played an important role in making Differdange into what it is today," Manes said.
Manes has played several roles with MUDEC – proactive visionary and respected leader among them. Manes officially retires as executive director on June 30.
He stepped into the position during an important time. Manes became executive director in 2021, after one year in an interim capacity, helping the university move forward with international education during a global pandemic.
His leadership and spirit of collaboration were instrumental in Miami plotting a positive direction during an uncertain time.
“It was critical to have someone who could see the possibilities beyond that moment,” said Cheryl Young, associate vice president of Global Initiatives. “Miami had been in Luxembourg for over 50 years. It wasn’t time to stop.
“Raymond was open minded. He’s just a ‘get to it’ guy. It’s a great partnership.”
Manes also oversaw the expansion of student housing at Luxembourg and maintains a strong relationship with Luxembourg’s Grand Ducal royal family. In September, Manes organized a visit to the MUDEC campus from Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Henri as part of his farewell tour before the transfer of power.
Manes began his career as a French high school instructor. What interested him beyond educating students were the planning and organization aspects of a school. He initially joined MUDEC as assistant director of administration.
“I have a lot of good memories,” Manes said. “We have wonderful students.
“There is a saying: ‘once Miami, always Miami.’ Even though I am going to retire, I don’t think I am going to disappear. I will stay in one form or another connected to MUDEC.”
Currently, Miami has 168 students attending the Luxembourg campus this semester. Manes counts study tour trips with students among his favorite aspects of MUDEC.
Interacting with alumni is high on that list as well. Manes participated in several MUDEC milestones, including the 50th and 55th anniversary celebrations in Luxembourg.
“The relationships we have with alumni are very rewarding,” Manes said. “You hear it from alumni all the time about how their time in Luxembourg was very life changing.”
Stepping into the executive director role on July 1 will be Stephanie Shaheen, currently director of MUDEC.
Young called Shaheen a “perfect fit for the role.”
“She has built up relationships,” Young said. “Like Raymond, she’s also a visionary.”
As a born and bred Luxembourger, Manes established strong ties in the community during his tenure.
“You won’t go anywhere in Luxembourg where someone doesn’t know him,” Young said. “His relationships in the city of Differdange helped us move forward in a great way.”
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about the Miami University John E. Dolibois European Center? Visit the website for more information.