UCD Chancellor James Shore, CAU Dean Meng Fanxi, Christine Shore, Provost Mark Heckler and Director of International Education Chris Johnson prepare for the centennial celebration of CAU in Beijing.
In September, the People’s Republic of China celebrated the centennial of China Agricultural University (CAU), one of China’s pre-eminent universities and a 10-year partner with the University of Colorado Denver’s downtown Denver campus. The universities collaborate through an undergraduate partnership, known as the International College at Beijing (ICB).
About 37 Chinese students received their University of Colorado degrees in liberal arts, economics and communications at the Beijing celebration, attended by Chancellor James Shore, Provost Mark Heckler, Regent Paul Schauer and Director of International Education Chris Johnson.
“China Agricultural University and the International College at Beijing have experienced extraordinary transformation over the past 10 years,” Heckler explains. “The campus is modern, attractive, and well organized, with excellent leadership and strong support from the central government.” “It was a great success,” Johnson says of the graduation and centennial celebrations. “It was a very impressive ceremony; it was wonderful and moving for the students and their families.”
Because the graduation came during the CAU centennial celebration, UCD dignitaries were privy to cultural experiences beyond their wildest dreams. “The centennial celebrations were nothing short of amazing,” Johnson says. “It was a thrill to see our Chancellor and Regent Chair on the dais in the Great Hall of the People.”
The president of CAU commended UCD and the partnership at the opening banquet of the China’s World Agricultural Congress and University Presidents’ Forum, indicating that graduates from the ICB program earn 100 percent more in their first year than any other CAU graduates.
“Clearly the UCD program is well known and respected in China,” Heckler says. “CAU is very interested in re-engaging with UCD to develop a new generation of academically rigorous and highly selective degree programs in Beijing for both Chinese and American students.”
Johnson explains that although the UCD campus in Beijing graduated its final class this fall, there are many more study abroad opportunities in the works.
“We signed two agreements while we were there–a memo of understanding and a student exchange agreement,” Johnson explains. “We’re working on arrangments for faculty exchange and faculty interaction. We’re working on how we can develop a second year and beyond for our students who want to study Mandarin, creating mechanisms to pursue advanced studies.”
Having been a presence in China for more than a decade, the UCD downtown Denver campus has been one of only a few U.S. institutions to have established such long-term bonds. Other international schools, however, have followed suit and are vying for the international student market. “Other countries, other schools are now much more active in recruiting than in years past,” Johnson says. “Expanding this relationship will help leverage some of our strengths. We’ve been in China for over 10 years–something not many universities can say.”
With the student and faculty exchange on the horizon, the connections and learning opportunities are promising. “We’ve turned a page,” Johnson says, “And moved into a new chapter.”
Adds Heckler, “We look forward to welcoming a delegation from China later this year to explore what form a new partnership might take.”