Duke Kunshan Alum Accepted to the Prestigious Schwarzman Scholars Program

Justin Bryant, a senior student at Duke University and alumnus of Duke Kunshan’s Global Learning Semester (GLS) program, was named to the second class of Schwarzman Scholars, which provides for one year of study at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.

The scholars develop leadership skills through a funded one-year master’s degree in public policy, economics or international studies. Scholars are selected on the basis of leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to understand other cultures.

Bryant came to Duke Kunshan as an international undergraduate student in Fall 2015 and completed a full semester’s study in the GLS program. During his time at Duke Kunshan, he developed and demonstrated strong leadership in student activities and governance. For example, Bryant joined the Kunshan Student Ambassador Council, an international network of students linking Duke Kunshan University, Duke University, and Wuhan University to promote global leadership and intercultural communication among the student bodies of these three institutions by acting as role models for global citizenship. He also founded a Shockwave A Capella club, which later became one of the most popular student clubs at Duke Kunshan.

Justin Bryant’s A Capella group

‘Duke Kunshan University presented a great opportunity for me to develop my leadership skills, and A Capella was the first thing I decided I would take on,’ said Bryant. ‘When we created this opportunity, a lot of students flocked to it. For me, that was amazing. I feel like I will be a stronger individual going back to Duke. I’ll be more self-assured, and aware that I can make the difference that I want to achieve in the world someday.’

‘Coming to China obviously is very different, and one of the largest differences is perspectives. I hear a lot of new ideas that I don’t hear back in the States. That really forces me to think deeper about where I’m coming from, and how I form my ideas in my perspectives,’ said Bryant.

Justin Bryant in GLS Program Closing Ceremony

Bryant is a Reginaldo Howard Memorial Scholar majoring in public policy studies and pursuing a certificate in information science and information studies. He participated in the Duke Kunshan University GLS program in Fall 2015, and eventually wants to work in technology and innovation policy and is interested in pursuing elected office.

Another Duke senior Julian Keeley and recent Duke alumnus David Robertson ’15 were also winners of the highly-competitive program. They are among 125 recipients selected from 2,747 applicants across 119 countries.

Duke University President Richard Brodhead said, ‘A deep understanding of China will be critical to future leaders, and I’m delighted that these three outstanding young people, who have contributed greatly to the Duke community, will have this exciting opportunity.’

The Schwarzman Scholars initiative is designed to meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond. Blackstone Co-Founder Stephen A. Schwarzman personally contributed $100 million to the program and is leading a fundraising campaign to raise an additional $350 million from private sources to endow the program in perpetuity. The $450 million endowment will support up to 200 scholars annually from the U.S., China and elsewhere.

From Duke campus to Duke Kunshan campus, how has his life changed? Let him tell you his story:

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Media Contact

Senior Editor/Writer

Gareth McPherson

Email: gareth.mcpherson@dukekunshan.edu.cn

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