Penn Visits China, January 2009

As part of Penn’s commitment to global engagement, in January of 2009 President Amy Gutmann took a week-long trip to China where she visited Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, met with hundreds of proud Penn alumni, entered into exciting new agreements with two leading Chinese universities, and raised Penn’s international profile through a number of media interviews.  Wharton Dean Tom Robertson accompanied Dr. Gutmann for part of the trip, and they were joined by Trustee Bill Cheung, who provided invaluable assistance at key meetings and events. Bill and his wife Cathy also hosted a beautiful dinner for Penn friends and donors in Hong Kong.

Notable events of the trip include Dr. Gutmann signing formal agreements to significantly expand and enhance ongoing academic and research collaborations with both Tsinghua University in Beijing and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.  

The visit attracted attention from several media outlets that were interested in learning about Penn’s plans and priorities, further communicating our University’s message of global engagement to an international audience.

 

Media Coverage

Penn President Dr. Amy Gutmann speaks about her vision for the University on China Business Network (To begin video roll over screen above to display the toolbar)

NEWS RELEASE: University of Pennsylvania, Tsinghua University to Expand Academic, Research Collaborations NEWS RELEASE: University of Pennsylvania, Shanghai Jiao Tong University to Expand Academic, Research Collaborations NEWS ITEM: Chinese state councilor meets Penn president NEWS ITEM: One US university beats the odds as financial crisis kicks others

 

 

Photographic highlights:

Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong meets with Amy Gutmann to discuss the importance of exchanges between Chinese and foreign universities. Photo Credit: Xinhua/Li Tao
Penn President Gutmann and Shanghai Jiao Tong University President, Zhang Jai, sign an agreement to explore student and faculty exchanges, co-sponsor a financial conference and form a joint Center of Excellence in Medical Imaging.	The Chair of the University Council at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Professor Ma Dexiu, presents Dr. Gutmann with a gift of golden Chinese dragons.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University President, Zhang Jai, presents Dr. Gutmann with a certificate naming her an honorary professor of the University.	Dr. Gutmann delivers a major address to students and faculty of Shanghai Jiao Tong University entitled "A Roadmap for Global Education: Break Down Walls and Build Windmills."
Dr. Gutmann meets with the President of Tsinghua University, Gu Binglin.	Governor of Shanghai’s Pudong District, Xu Lin, exchanges warm greetings with Dr. Gutmann.
Dr. Gutmann addresses a large crowd of proud Penn alumni during the Shanghai Alumni Dinner at the Grand Hyatt Shanghai.	Dr. Gutmann views exhibits at the Ohel Rachel Synagogue with Dr. Guang Pan, director of the Shanghai Center for International Studies and dean of Center of Jewish Studies Shanghai.
Dr. Gutmann meets with Yin Yicui, Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee of Shanghai.	A large and enthusiastic crowd of alumni, parents and friends join Dr. Gutmann in Beijing.
President Gutmann and Dean Robertson participate in a TV interview entitled “Meeting Business Leaders” hosted by the China Business Network.