Trip to China strengthens ties and yields fruitful new collaborations

June 20, 2011 — UFV President Dr. Mark Evered and his wife Maureen recently returned from an extensive tour of five Chinese cities, organized by Betty Wang, UFV China liaison officer.  During their two-week stay, they had the opportunity to meet with key partner universities. “I was delighted to visit some of our current partners and colleagues in China and to have the opportunity to build new friendships and affiliations,” says Evered.

Evered started his tour in Dalian where he visited Dalian Software University (DSU) to establish a partnership that will facilitate the transfer of Computer Information Systems students. Talks will be finalized when a delegation from DSU, led by President Weng Jiaju, visits UFV in July.

In Dalian, Evered also attended a ceremony to sign an official memorandum of understanding at the City Institute of Dalian University of Technology (CIDUT). The newly minted agreement will enable CIDUT students in their third year to complete their degree in Computer Information Systems at UFV. Evered met a contingent of eight CIDUT students who have already enrolled to study at UFV this fall.

In Beijing, Evered visited North College of Beijing University of Chemical Technology to discuss the development of joint academic programming.

In Shanghai, Evered was warmly welcomed at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST). UFV has already completed articulations with USST in the fields of computer studies, math, chemistry and physics. The two universities plan to work together to develop more collaborations in the fields of arts, English studies, and food safety.  A proposal to establish a China-Canada center at UFV was also put forward. USST’s Dean of Foreign Languages will visit UFV in November to work out the details of the proposed agreements.

While in Shanghai, Evered had the opportunity to meet the first group of six students from USST who will arrive at UFV to study this fall. “Meeting future students was a highlight of the trip for me and my wife Maureen,” he says. “We also had the privilege to meet parents whose sons or daughters are already studying at UFV or are thinking about coming.”

Dr. Evered and wife Maureen meeting with future UFV students in Shanghai

“Many were surprised to find out we take such a personal interest in our international students,” Evered adds. “But they are an integral part of UFV’s commitment to student success. It is crucial to provide our local students with the opportunity to study with international students whether here or abroad, and to help them develop the cultural awareness, sensitivity, and skills needed to succeed in globally interconnected workplaces.”

In Fuzhou, Evered joined UFV Agriculture department head Tom Baumann at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU). Baumann made a presentation featuring UFV’s agriculture program and Evered signed an agreement that will enable 40 Chinese students to study at UFV every year. Assembled officials also discussed possible curriculum and faculty exchanges to encourage professional development and the flow of knowledge between the two countries. A delegation from FAFU will visit UFV in July.

Evered wrapped up his China tour in Chengdu, where he met President Zhou Jieming of Sichuan Normal University to review the current partnership between the two institutions and discuss expanded collaborations in the fields of business and fine arts.

“I look forward to working together on educational programs, faculty exchanges, and joint research projects with our partners,” says Evered, “I have no doubt that we will all benefit.”

Dr. Evered with dance students at Sichuan Normal University