Dec 16th, Duke Kunshan University held a closing ceremony for Class of Fall 2015 of the Undergraduate Global Learning Semester (GLS) program and honored 53 students from China and abroad with program certificates.
The closing ceremony commenced with an A Capella performance by students. Then Haiyan Gao, vice chancellor for academic affairs, gave a speech congratulating the GLS students on the completion of their semester-long studies at Duke Kunshan.
A Capella Performance by Students
‘This is a moment to reflect. For many of you, this is your first experience with liberal arts education. While a semester is short, we hope you have developed some valuable skills at Duke Kunshan University, which will benefit not only your pursuit of future career, but also your pursuit of lifelong happiness.’ said Vice Chancellor Gao. ”knowledge in the service of society’ is an important belief that Duke students and faculty hold deeply, and we would like you to apply the knowledge you learned to the rapidly changing world of human needs and challenges.’
Prof. Haiyan Gao, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Elise Devido, a visiting assistant professor of history spoke on behalf of the Fall 2015 semester’s faculty, described her experiences at Duke Kunshan as an opening. ‘The word ‘closing’ does not fit our experiences at Duke Kunshan University. I witnessed those who were shy and reserved gradually found their voice and opened up. Our open learning community is like a family, where students and professors spent much time together.’ Bidding farewell to the students, Dr. Devido quoted from an Italian song Time to Say Goodbye: ‘It’s time to say goodbye, to countries I never saw and shared with you.’
Elise Devido, Visiting Assistant Professor of History
Speaing on behalf of all the students, Justin Bryant and Yi Fan expressed their deep gratitude to Duke Kunshan. ‘My experiences here taught me that dreams, both big and small, have a place at Duke Kunshan University,’ said Justin, ‘We depart with a sense of uncertainty. We don’t know the deeper ways in which our experiences have been embodied with us so that we will never be the same, but we should welcome this uncertainty, because it leads to the space to dream of what is possible and what to be, and that space that has been created throughout this semester is powerful and transformative.’
Justin Bryant from Duke University
‘Dear fellow students, I feel lucky to have met you here. Even though we are from different universities and countries, you are all warm-hearted, hardworking, and willing to share all the same. We learn from each other support each other,’ said Yi Fan. ‘It has been such an amazing journey, but it is time to say goodbye. However, I always believe that there is a place in your heart for treasured memories, which will give us the power and confidence to move on.’
Yi Fan from Sichuan University
During the closing ceremony, Tanvi Mehta, Ibanca Anand and Jiawen Li, three ambassadors of a class gift campaign, presented a class gift to Chancellor Liu Jingnan. The class gift is to demonstrate students’ gratitude and support for Duke Kunshan University. One tree on campus will be named after ‘Global Learning Semester Class of Fall 2015′ in recognition of the students’ support.
Student Representatives and Chancellor Liu Presenting Class Gift
Cheng Feng, director of development and alumni relations, spoke on the significance of making the class gift. ‘You are just about to start a new relationship with Duke Kunshan University ‘ from today, you will become alumni. You have already made your mark at Duke Kunshan through all the things you have done, all the experiences you have had here,’ said Feng. Tanvi Mehta, one class gift campaign ambassador, added, ‘With our contributions, we will be leaving behind our legacy, to be reminded of not only our class spirit, but also our fun memories we had together.’
Cheng Feng, Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Tanvi Mehta, Class Gift Campaign Ambassador
In the closing remarks made by Dr. Andrew Field, associate dean of undergraduate programs, he encouraged the students to turn thoughts into actions, and make an impact on the world as global citizens. ‘You have already chosen to take a path to become global citizens. As global citizens, you have certain freedoms and privileges others may not enjoy. With those freedoms and privileges come great responsibilities. We are now rushing towards an uncertain future, the problems that we have to face over the next century are unprecedented. We must face these challenges head-on ‘ not challenges in any particular region, but challenges on a global scale in all dimensions.’
Dr. Andrew Field, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Duke Kunshan University
The closing ceremony saw tears of joy and sorrow, and concluded with a certificate awarding ceremony, in which Chancellor Liu Jingnan and Dr. Andrew Field handed out the Duke Kunshan Global Learning Semester program certificate to each student and congratulated them on finishing a fruitful semester.
GLS Students Receiving and Showing Their Certificates
