Thank you for joining us for today's historic announcement which the three of us believe will have a far reaching impact on citizens and businesses in the St. Louis metropolitan area. For those of you who aren't entirely familiar with our international campus network, let me give you a little background. Webster University has been involved in international education for more than 30 years. This morning let's just focus on our endeavors in China. We've been teaching in China for more than 10 years. Today Webster has three campuses in China--but we're in the final stages of establishing our fourth location. We were also the first American university approved by the government of the Peoples Republic of China to teach an MBA program in China. Webster University has been committed to China for a long time!
Joining me today are Ambassador George H. Walker III, a member of Webster University's Board of Trustees who also happens to be an extraordinary champion of St. Louis, and Governor Bob Holden from the great state of Missouri who is a member of Webster's esteemed faculty.
What you see in front of you are three believers. Having served his country abroad for three years in Hungary, and having witnessed first hand the speed at which globalization is taking place, Ambassador Walker believes there is nothing more important than for people everywhere to be exposed to the cultures of other countries. Governor Holden believes Missouri and Missourians belong in the forefront of international trade and worldwide connections. The Governor also believes that no door-no matter how sturdy or how strong is ever really closed! And I believe?Webster University is the greatest maker of international citizens in the world.
Now it's time for Webster's international influence to spread through the community we all share. Today I am proud and honored to announce that the government of the Peoples Republic of China is establishing the state of Missouri's only Confucius Institute at Webster University. The Confucius Institute is a non-profit, public institute with the goal of promoting the understanding of Chinese language and culture, the acceleration of multiculturalism and supporting Chinese teaching internationally through affiliated Confucius Institutes around the globe.I invite all citizens and businesses of St. Louis and its surrounding communities to come to the Institute-which will be housed right here in the Historic Old Post Office-and experience the enjoyment of learning about our Asian neighbor?China.
Webster University's Confucius Institute is something every St. Louisan should be proud of. The institute will help make our city an even more competitive and understanding partner in the world marketplace. I hope all of you are as proud honored and I am today. |
