Bucknell University was founded the University at Lewisburg in 1846. Only twelve years later, in 1958, Maung Shaw Loo from Burma (now Myanmar) is admitted to the University and graduates six years later, in 1964. He was the first Burmese international student in America.
The Burma-Bucknell Connection is among one of the longest international relationships that Bucknell has. A multitude of events over 150 years of history have proven that not only does the University values its relationship with Burma but also the various people throughout the years who have contributed to this relationship.
One of the most notable examples of this is the Bucknell-Burma Weekends held from the 1940s to the 1960s. Over a decade of annual weekend celebrations with Bucknell students and faculty, Burmese students in the East Coast area, the Burmese Embassy of the time, and members of the American government. Organized by the general secretary of the Christian Association at Bucknell, Mr. Forrest D. Brown, who the university has named the Cowan Retreat after.
The Burma-Bucknell Bowl also serves as a physical connection between Burma and Bucknell. The Bowl was given as a gift in 1958 at the 10th anniversary of the Burma-Bucknell Weekends. Presented by Ambassador U Win at the time, the Bowl has served as the annual diversity award for the University since.
Today, this relationship is celebrated every year by the Burma-Bucknell Bowl diversity award, and the Burmese Tea Time held by the Burmese Cultural Organization on campus.