New links between UI and Chinese universities

Building on Urbana's historical ties with China

November 1, 2005

An agreement formalizing a new relationship with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and two Chinese universities, Lanzhou University and Gansu Agricultural University, was signed on the U of I campus Nov. 1. Illinois Chancellor Richard Herman will travel to China the week of Nov. 13 for further meeting with higher education leaders in that nation.

Herman noted that China is emerging as one of the world's major players in the field of business, science and education.

"This agreement is in keeping with the University of Illinois's long history of valuable international collaboration and opportunity, a relationship that dates back to the early years of the 20th century with China," said Herman.

Herman also noted that China is the number one market for U.S. soybeans and that major Illinois businesses such as ADM, Boeing, Motorola, and Pioneer Seed have significant market ties to China.

The agreement among the three universities will create opportunities for learning experiences, intellectual exchanges and new perspectives for both students and faculty of the three institutions.

Gansu Province (view a pdf map), home to the two Chinese universities, has an international reputation for the abundance of its natural resources, including oil and coal, and its potential as a major livestock production area. Gansu Province is also the major agricultural base for Chinese medicinal herbs and is the launching center for the Chinese space program.

"For good reason, Gansu Province is referred to as 'the golden corridor of China,'" said Herman.

The Nov. 1 ceremony was attended by Governor Lu Hao of Gansu Province, President Li Fashen of Lanzhou University, and President Wang Di of Gansu Agricultural University.

Illinois dignitaries attending the signing ceremony included state Senator Rick Winkel, 103rd District State Representative Naomi Jakobsson, former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, UI Trustee Kenneth Schmidt, UI President Joe White, Provost Jesse Delia, ACES Dean Robert Easter, UI alumnus Zhang Bo, and Richard Goldberg of Congressman Mark Kirk’s office.

Under the agreement, faculty at the three universities will have the opportunity to share research and teaching. Undergraduate and graduate student exchange programs will be developed and joint degree programs among the participants may also result.