State University of New York

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"Thanks to efforts from the US government and people from different sectors, 150 students from the earthquake-hit areas are now studying at the State University of New York.  I am convinced that when they return to China after finishing their studies here, they will be able to better help the building of their homeland and they will surely join in the endeavor to promote China-US friendship."  Premier Wen Jiabao Remarks

In May 2008, a devastating earthquake struck the area around Chengdu in Sichuan Province, China, causing enormous loss of life, injuries and damage, and completely changing the lives of five million people.  The State University of New York (SUNY), with Governor David Paterson's support, made an extraordinary gesture of welcoming 150 university students from Sichuan Province, to study at 22 campuses of the University at no charge for a year.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao personally endorsed SUNY China 150 on September 23rd, specifically noting the program's importance to his nation and to future U.S. - China relations.

Premier Wen met with a SUNY student representative, and Madame Chen Zhili, Vice Chair of the National People's Congress, spent an afternoon meeting with 25 of the students. Madame Chen stressed the importance of their time in the United States, and encouraged them to actively support their communities when they return to China.

What will SUNY China 150 accomplish? (SUNY China 150 video)

The students

The SUNY China150 students were chosen after a careful review of academic performance and English language proficiency of over 2000 applicants - all done in two weeks. The participating students include 97 women and 53 men. Ten percent are minorities from the Zang (Tibet) and Qiang ethnic groups, which were severely affected by the Wenchuan earthquake. Many lost family members in the tragedy.  The students, primarily sophomores and juniors, will spend the next two semesters as full-time students at SUNY campuses. In addition to their classes, SUNY China 150 will help to form this group as a connected network of future leaders, based on their common experiences in the United States. When they return to China these talented men and women have committed to rebuild the local infrastructure in the earthquake impacted region.

Where are the students?

SUNY Campuses Participating in SUNY China 150

SUNY-Farmingdale, 19
SUNY-Potsdam, 5
SUNY-Cobleskill, 18
Jamestown Community College, 5
Buffalo State College, 17
University at Buffalo, 4
Herkimer Community College, 11
SUNY-Delhi, 4
Clinton Community College, 10
SUNY-Maritime, 4
Genesee Community College, 8
SUNY-Brockport, 4
University at Albany, 6
SUNY-Oswego, 4
Stony Brook University, 6
Monroe Community College, 3
SUNY-Plattsburgh, 6
Alfred State, 2
College of Technology at Canton, 6
Binghamton Universities, 2
Alfred Ceramics, 5
SUNY-New Paltz, 1

How can you help?

The State University of New York is seeking financial support from corporations, foundations, and individuals who recognize the importance of US-China relations and the role that education can play in building them. A contribution to the SUNY CHINA 150 Fund will help cover the costs of learning and living for these students. Total program costs are $25,000 per student, or a total of $3.7 million. SUNY is aiming to raise packages of five (5) Named Scholarships from corporate sponsors, who will be publicly acknowledged in the US and China for their support of this program which has clearly earned the attention of top Chinese leaders.

How can you be involved?

SUNY China 150 will hold numerous events, allowing sponsors to meet the students, Chinese officials, and prominent community members to solidify bonds of friendship. SUNY China 150 will report regularly to Chinese leaders on progress, including citing corporate and other supporters. Premier Wen has specifically asked for a report when the students return to China.

SUNY China 150 has received extensive media coverage on television and the news, both in China and the US. We have begun filming a documentary on the project. Sponsors will have the opportunity for executive participation in this project, allowing the company to gain public notoriety for their support of the project, and their support of young people in China.

Contact

For more information and to learn how you can become involved, please contact Kaitlin Gambrill, Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations, State University of New York, at (212) 221-8910 or Email kaitlin.gambrill@suny.edu

About SUNY

SUNY China 150 page

 

Last Update - 9/24/09