Duke Alumni Reception with Duke President Brodhead and Duke Kunshan Chancellors

January 13, Duke University and Duke Kunshan University held a grand alumni reception in Beijing, China. The event featured speakers including Richard H. Brodhead, president of Duke University, Liu Jingnan, chancellor of Duke Kunshan University, Denis Simon, Duke Kunshan executive vice chancellor and Gao Xiqing, Duke trustee and Duke Kunshan advisory board member. About 120 Duke alumni from China as well as the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs’ (SAFEA) training program at Duke attended the reception.

The alumni reception kicked off with Brodhead’s speech on Duke University’s recent developments and accomplishments. He said, the two main functions of universities are to produce new knowledge and develop global leaders who can make this world a better place. He was proud to see that Duke has produced many outstanding alumni who live around the world.

Duke University President Brodhead

Chancellor Liu and EVC Simon then expressed their appreciation to the attendees and applauded those participants who had become Duke alumni through the SAFEA training program at Duke. They pointed out that as a knowledge platform of Duke in China, Duke Kunshan University will serve as a base to provide high-quality education and training programs up to Duke’s standard. The establishment of the university will enhance the cultural exchange between China and the United States and foster creativity through reform of higher education. Chancellor Liu added that Duke Kunshan University aims to cultivate global citizens with firm cultural roots. Finally, Liu and Simon invited them to visit Duke Kunshan to have a personal experience at this innovative university.

Duke Kunshan University Chancellor Liu Jingnan

Duke Kunshan University Executive Vice Chancellor Denis Simon

Gao Xiqing, a notable alumnus of Duke University, also attended the event as an honored guest. A former Vice Chairman and President of the China Investment Corporation, Gao currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at Duke University as well as the advisory board of Duke Kunshan.

Gao Xiqing, Duke University trustee and Duke Kunshan University Advisory Board member

The alumni event was held in conjunction with SAFEA program reception. SAFEA has a long-term cooperative relation with Duke University that started in 2005. Since then, nearly 400 Chinese officials have received training through this SAFEA training program at Duke University.

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Media Contact

Senior Editor/Writer

Gareth McPherson

Email: gareth.mcpherson@dukekunshan.edu.cn

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