Peking University, Mar. 25, 2012: The inauguration ceremony of Stanford Center at Peking University (PKU) was held at PKU on Mar. 21, 2012, attended by President John Hennessy of Stanford University, President Zhou Qifeng of PKU, Professor Zhu Shanlu, PKU Party Secretary, Mr. Gary Locke, US Ambassador to China, as well as alumni, guests, and representatives from Education Ministry of China. It promised another round of close cooperation between Stanford University and PKU.
Before the inauguration ceremony, guests and representatives visited Stanford Center, a modern structure that was of both Western and traditional Chinese characteristics.
Professor Li Yansong, Vice President of PKU, and Professor Jean Oi, Director of Stanford Center at PKU, presided over the ceremony. President Zhou Qifeng delivered the opening speech. He pointed out that the inauguration was the fruit of a five-year construction by both universities, and that the center would serve as an important platform for further communication between the two universities as well as between the United States (US) and China.
Prof. Zhou giving his speech
President John Hennessy in his speech briefly reviewed the process of preparation for the center’s establishment. He said that the healthy cooperative relationship was based on devotion from both sides, and therefore, Stanford University really appreciated the efforts from Chinese government and PKU. Moreover, the Stanford Center which combined the cultural advantages of both universities would be a shared fort to combat against challenges in globalization.
President Hennessy giving his speech
Mr. Gary Locke said that a further dialogue between US and China relied on a deeper understanding between US and Chinese people. Stanford Center as an international educational institute would cultivate open-minded leaders for both countries. He expressed his wish for further communication and cooperation between the two universities in the end of his speech.
Mr. Locke giving his speech
Stanford University and PKU have started cooperation and established a friendly relationship since the 1980s. Since then, with support from US and Chinese governments, various programs such as student-exchanges have been launched and witnessed success. Educational resources have been shared to the benefits of both. Stanford Center at Peking University is a key in the long run, which can surely contribute to the development of the two universities and to the friendship between US and China.
Prof. Zhu giving History of Chinese Civilization to President Hennessy as a gift
Written by: Zhao Ning
Edited by: Liu Lu
Source: PKUNews (Chinese)
