The Rector of Danubius International University, together with Law students, visited the Maximum Security Penitentiary in Galați

On April 4, 2025, Prof. Univ. Dr. Steve O Michael, the Rector of Danubius International University, had a unique experience he described as the first in his life.  Accompanied by students and faculty of the School of Law, Rector Michael visited the Maximum Security Penitentiary in Galați. This visit was facilitated through the collaboration between the Penitentiary and the Faculty of Law to enrich students’ practical knowledge of criminal law.

During the visit, the Rector and students engaged with detainees, gaining insights into their life experiences and the circumstances surrounding their offenses, which often involved serious crimes. The interactions were profound, with the Rector expressing admiration for the Romanian humane treatment and prisoners’ living conditions. At the conclusion of the visit, he extended gratitude to the penitentiary’s management and commended the faculty and students for their involvement in this valuable educational opportunity.  Specifically, the Rector thanked Mr. Director, Chief Commissioner of the Penitentiary Police Nicolea Sebastian Moldoveanu, and Mr. Head of the Penitentiary Service, Proca Florin, for their excellent leadership and partnership with Danubius International University.  He congratulated the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Associate Professor Dr. Ana Alina Ionescu Dumitrache, the teaching staff, and students for engaging in this practical experience. “It is important for future lawyers to see firsthand the consequences of criminality and incarceration,” the Rector noted.    

He also informed students that educational level is the most important predictive factor regarding criminality and incarceration.  Of all the prisoners he interacted with, only one completed a high school education.  The Rector noted that this factor is universal, as observed in the United States.  The higher the educational level, the lower the probability of incarceration.  “Therefore, as a society, we must do our best to ensure access to education and completion of at least a high school education,” Rector Michael said.