Today is a big day for Webster University, and I am proud and honored to join you on this podium. Today Webster joins a very small group of prestigious American universities that have been selected to host a Confucius Institute, a group that includes Purdue University, Michigan State University, the University of Kansas, San Francisco University, the China Institute in New York, Rutgers University, the University of Oklahoma and UCLA.
There are many to thank for the success of this process, which began two years ago when I was invited to speak at an International Language Conference in Beijing. During the conference there was much discussion of the new initiative being undertaken around the world by the Chinese Government to promote the Chinese Language and Culture called Confucius Institute. This was an effort to bring better understanding between the Chinese people and other cultures.
Upon returning to the United States I met with President Meyers, and he encouraged us to explore the opportunity. I also took the idea to my colleague John Rogers, President of the Midwest U.S. China Association. John agreed that Webster University would be a natural home for such an Institute in St. Louis, and he has worked tirelessly on our behalf.
During the next several months we met with former Consul General Xu, Professor Xu Fenglan, Vice President of Bejing Language and Culture University Mr. Zhao Min and several members of Hanban -China’s Dept. of Education.
All of us agreed that BLCU was an excellent fit for United States and Webster University. Webster assigned Grant Chapman to assist in working out the details, and without his great work we would not be celebrating today.
This new partnership is especially exciting because of the involvement of the Beijing Language and Culture University, BLCU. BLCU is a major University in China teaching the Chinese Language around the world. They partner with numerous universities worldwide, but have not yet partnered with any in the United States. This new partnership not only brings BLCU to our country, but also gives Webster a strong new partner in China, where our campus and our presence is growing rapidly.
Once again Mr. President I want to thank you for your encouragement and leadership of what I believe will be a truly historic day for Webster University and St. Louis. |
