At a glance
Alfred State College President Dr. John M. Anderson, ASC Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Steven J.
Tyrell, and Dr. Shaojie Jiang, ASC director, International Education, welcomed Lin Zhongdong and Ma Xiaochuan to the college as they
begin their year-long stay as part of SUNY's (State University of New York)
China 150 program, which has welcomed 150 Chinese students to 22 SUNY schools,
Alfred State College President Dr.
John M. Anderson, (second from right), ASC Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Steven J. Tyrell, (right), and Dr. Shaojie Jiang, ASC director,
International Education, (far left) welcomed Lin Zhongdong and Ma Xiaochuan
(l-r) to the college as they begin their year-long stay as part of SUNY's
(State University of New York) China 150 program, which has welcomed 150
Chinese students to 22 SUNY schools, allowing them to continue their studies
which were interrupted by an earthquake in Sichuan province in May. The students, primarily sophomores
and juniors, arrived in the United States earlier this month, and will study
for two semesters as full-time students at SUNY state-operated and
community college campuses. Each student has committed to return to China upon
completion of the program in May/June 2009 and to a period of national service
in Sichuan to help with the rebuilding effort. In the Pioneer spirit and
tradition that is a part of Alfred State, campus employees assembled welcome
baskets and gifts for these two brave young women to help them furnish their
rooms, nourish their bodies and their spirits, and prepare them for our Western
New York winters. Upon welcoming the new students, Anderson also
remarked, "We are happy to have you here at Alfred State College. We want
you to feel welcome here, and to become part of the Alfred State family."
Following the President's remarks, Dr. Steven J. Tyrell, vice president for
Student Affairs, gave the students a brief overview of life at ASC, and presented
them with additional gifts. The young women
each gave a summary of their
experiences during and since the earthquake and expressed their gratitude at
this chance to continue their studies. The State University of New York has
been involved with educational exchange and research collaborations with China
and anticipates that this initiative will increase the connections between New
York State and the Sichuan Province, leading to economic, educational, and
cultural benefits.