AASCU Delegation Attends 20th CHEPD 1+2+1 Graduation Ceremony in Beijing
A delegation of 25 leaders from 13 AASCU member institutions recently traveled to China to participate in the 20th Sino-US CHEPD 1+2+1 graduation ceremony. The event took place June 12–14 and marked a significant step as the AASCU delegation was the largest to visit China since the pandemic restrictions were lifted.
Led by Sufei Li, AASCU’s assistant director of China and Asia programs, the delegation comprised participants from various universities including: Bemidji State University (MN), California State University, San Bernardino, Coastal Carolina University (SC), George Mason University (VA), Northern Arizona University, Salem State University (MA), Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Troy University (AL), University of North Alabama, University of North Texas, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and University of Wisconsin-Stout.
The graduation ceremony, held in Beijing, celebrated the achievements of 285 students who graduated with dual degrees from 29 Chinese universities and 17 U.S. universities. Over the course of 23 years, the program has witnessed a total of 7,000 student participants, with 6,500 successfully graduating.
Julie Whitlow, vice provost for faculty and global engagement from Salem State University (MA), had the honor of delivering opening remarks on behalf of AASCU and the U.S. universities at the Presidents Forum and the graduation ceremony. Her speech highlighted the significance of international collaboration in education and commended the students for their accomplishments.
In addition to the graduation ceremony, the AASCU delegation had the opportunity to engage in business-to-business (B2B) activities with Chinese university partners in Xian and Nanjing. These activities aimed to foster further cooperation and exchange between the institutions involved.
The participation of AASCU member institutions in the 20th CHEPD 1+2+1 graduation ceremony and the subsequent B2B activities reflects the ongoing commitment to global education and cooperation. By reconnecting with Chinese partners and celebrating the accomplishments of dual-degree graduates, AASCU continues to pave the way in providing international educational collaboration opportunities for its members.
