China Center News

Summer 1998

Chinese Galleries Come to Minnesota

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) unveiled its 22 new permanent galleries devoted to the artistic traditions of nearly 20 Asian countries over a period of some 5,000 years. Thanks to the generosity of Ruth and Bruce Dayton, the MIA has two of only a few residential Chinese period rooms in the US: a grand Ming Dynasty reception hall and an authentic Chinese scholar?s study.

The museum purchased these important historic buildings from their Chinese owners. They were dismantled by a team of Chinese craftsmen, shipped to Minnesota along with a commemorative gate and rock garden, then they were reconstructed and restored by the same craftsmen. Installation of these authentic Chinese rooms makes the museum a national center for the study of 17th and 18th century Chinese architecture and furniture.

Picture: Ruth Dayton with Madam Liu at the opening celebration for the Chinese galleries.

At a recent celebration of the galleries, Ruth Dayton shared her passion for the philosophy and culture of China. "My early studies of Tai Chi led me to this philosophy which gives credence to intrinsic values and internal wisdom. We are sorely missing these values in our country today. Even more in these fast-paced days of technology, we are searching for peace of mind, tranquillity, and integration in our lives."

For more information about the galleries call MIA at (612) 870-3000. MIA is a free museum operated for the benefit of the general public.

China Center and ISSS Move to West Bank

The China Center and the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) have relocated to the West Bank campus. The China Center is now in the Management and Economics Building. ISSS is next door in the Humphrey Center. Visit our website for a map and directions to our new space. Our new address is:

130 Mgmt/Econ
271 19th Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Phone and fax numbers remain the same. In May 1997, the China Center and ISSS moved temporarily from Nicholson Hall to the Mayo Memorial Building due to deteriorating environmental conditions. However, the Academic Health Center now needs the Mayo space for capital projects to begin.

"Quiet Rains Help Crops Better"

Visiting Professor Qi Xiyu is an expert on China's reform, domestic and foreign policies, history, economics, and politics. He recently visited the University of Minnesota to conduct research for his upcoming book on Post-War US Growth and Political Economy.

Should future historians be asked in the year 2098 to review major developments of this century, do you think they would place the two World Wars or the disintegration of the former Soviet Union at the top of their list? Most probably not. With the help of hind-sight, the majority of them would reply that the growing globalization of economy is of far greater significance to mankind as a whole.

Look at the changes in Sino-American relations in the last two decades. Even if Cassandra had been born again and prophesied in the 1970s that economic ties between our two countries would become what it is today and directly affect the daily life of millions of our two peoples, who would have believed her?

Economy is the very foundation of every society. Changes in the economy would lead to changes in politics, culture and everything else. Closer economic relations provide the necessary conditions for the blossoming of fruitful exchanges in many other fields. The warm welcome extended by the alumni of the U of M in Beijing to its president when he accompanied the governor on a visit to China testifies to the great potential.

The China Center of the University of Minnesota has done much to promote mutual understanding and friendship between our two countries, especially between their academic circles. Much of its contribution has been made quietly and gently. However, just as an old Chinese saying put it, "Quiet and gentle rain helps crops better than heavy downpour". It is my sincere hope that the Center will reap bumper harvests in the years to come.

Master's Degree in Global Operations

IT Dean Ted Davis and Vice President and Provost Robert Bruininks recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Shanghai Jiao Tong University to initiate the joint Master's Degree in Global Operations (MGO) program.

According to the Memorandum, the objective of this degree program is to provide focused graduate education to existing employees of global companies in China and in the US, to enhance career development in the Asian/US market by providing Chinese nationals with practical training experience in the US, and US nationals with practical experience in China.

To be eligible for the program, US students must have completed a bachelor of science degree in engineering or in an appropriate applied physical science; must be US employees of companies having manufacturing operations in China and the US, or must agree to work for their sponsoring company for a mutually agreed upon period following the completion of the MGO program. US students will receive their degrees from the U of M.

The program consists of one year of academic preparation, training and internships - one-half of which is spent in the US and one-half in China. Course work will include both technical courses and management/marketing courses. All courses will be taught in English. Language courses will also be required.

This program will provide both US and Chinese students with practical experience thereby increasing their employment potential with US companies. Moreover, this program establishes teaching and research relationships with Chinese faculty in disciplines of interest to joint-venture companies.

The Center for the Development of Technological Leadership (CDTL) will continue the program development activities as well as recruit and enroll students. For more information, please call (612) 624-5747.

Delegation Visits to the University

In May, a delegation from Hunan Medical University visited the University of Minnesota. They met with various key medical faculty members to explore opportunities for cooperation and collaboration. The China Center also hosted a delegation of six presidents from various Chinese agricultural universities.

In June we welcomed a delegation from the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAIFU). They were interested in gaining insight into "American New Economy".

In July, a Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics delegation visited the U of M campus. The China Center assisted President Yudof in hosting Korea's Pohong University of Science & Technology President Sooyoung Chang. The China Center cohosted the Mayor and Vice Mayor Guilin Municipal People's Government with the Minnesota Trade Office.

In August, a delegation from Nankai University, led by Vice President Wang Wenjun, visited campus. They met with University faculty and Nankai alumni.

Upcoming delegations include members of the Education Commission of Hubei Province, Jilin University President Liu Zhongshu, and delegations from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

The 6-member CASS delegation is led by Vice President Long Yongshu. They plan to discuss continuing programs of cooperation and exploring new opportunities for collaboration. They are interested in learning about managerial mechanisms in terms of research planning and logistical management.

The 12-member delegation from CAS is led by Vice President Yan Yixun. The purpose of their visit is to explore how to combine research work with developmental target of the company. They are interested in how to select, manage and evaluate a project, encourage innovation, improve efficiency, and marketing.

Picture: The Guilin delegation with President Yudof, Governor Carlson and MN Trade Office Representatives (below)

Travel Grants Available

The China Center provides grants to support work-related travel of faculty to the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Partial travel grants toward international airfare are offered to tenured and tenured-track faculty and equivalent level professional/academic staff with official invitation for research, lecturing or teaching. Conference travel is considered for funding when it is combined with lecturing or collaborative research activities. The deadline for applica-tions is November 16 for travel in January, February and March. Contact the China Center for information and application materials, or visit http://www.isp.acad.umn. edu/isp/funding/travelinfo.html. Recipients of Spring 1998 and Summer 1998 travel grant wards are listed below.

Spring 1998

Richard Ojakangas (Geology)

Wei-Ming Ni (Mathematics)

Zhuangyi Liu (Math & Statistics, UMD)

Qinqin Liu (Biology, UMD)

Deborah Roedder John (Marketing & Logistics Mgmt.)

Yijiang Wang (Industrial Relations Center)

Summer 1998

Subir Banerjee (Geology)

Liping Wang (History)

Tribute to University Aluminus Y.S. Tsiang

It is with great sorrow that we learned of the passing of Dr. Y.S. Tsiang on July 2, 1998. In 1938 Dr. Tsiang came to the University of Minnesota for his graduate education in agricultural research and received his MA (1940) and Ph.D. (1942). Dr. Tsiang spent another three and one-half years teaching and conducting corn experiments at the College of Agriculture under Professor H.K. Hayes. Dr. Tsiang returned to China in 1947, where he began his outstanding career in agricultural development and public service. A loyal alumnus of the University, Dr. Tsiang returned to his alma mater in 1996 to receive the highest honorary degree conferred by the University, the Honorary Doctor of Laws.

Dr. Tsiang distinguished himself as a man of great integrity and farsightedness. During six decades of exemplary public service, Dr. Tsiang held several cabinet positions and was secretary-general to two presidents of the Republic of China. A key architect of the 'Taiwan Economic Miracle,' his leadership and progressiveness have improved the economic well-being for many Chinese people. Dr. Tsiang's reputation as a maverick policy-maker is well known in Asia and in the U.S. He will be remembered as a distinguished scientist, a patron of the arts, an astute statesman, and a Chinese patriot.

Program of Professional Apprenticeships in Asia

The University of Minnesota has been invited by the Henry Luce Foundation to submit up to three nominees for the Luce Scholars Program. Through this unique program, young Americans with high leadership ability are given the opportunity to spend a year in Asia as professional apprentices under the guidance of leading Asian professionals. The distinguishing feature of the program is that it is directed toward students, alumni or junior faculty in any area except Asian Studies, who have not had significant exposure to Asian culture.

Campus deadline is November 2, and interviews are conducted during the month of November. For further information and application materials, contact the Graduate School Fellowship Office at (612) 625-7579.