A Recap of the President Repollet’s Landmark Visit to China

Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet and his delegation embarked on a momentous visit to Wenzhou, marking the first visit in three years. This visit presented a unique opportunity to strengthen the interactions between the two universities, foster people-to-people exchanges between Zhejiang province and New Jersey in the United States, and enhance the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

Upon his arrival on March 20, President Repollet wasted no time in meeting with Wenzhou Party Secretary Shuji Liu Xiaotao. Mr. Liu Xiaotao expressed his hope that the two sides would continue to build a model of Sino-US cooperation in education and foster a bridge of friendly exchanges, with a bright future ahead for the university. President Repollet extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Wenzhou government for its unwavering support towards the construction and development of WKU.

“I’ve been eagerly awaiting this moment for two and a half years,” remarked President Repollet during his campus tour on March 22. He was captivated by WKU’s remarkable achievements in disciplinary construction, scientific research, and faculty recruitment. President Repollet also graced the opening ceremony of the KEANU One Stop Student Service Center and Art Festival, and experienced the vibrant Student Club Festival. He also participated in a meeting with Deans and academic leaders on the same day. “Today’s tour made me feel at home. I’m grateful for our past, proud of our present, and excited about our future,” President Repollet expressed with a sense of deep appreciation.

On March 23, WKU held a press conference to introduce the remarkable results of its Sino-foreign cooperative education and outline its future direction towards high-quality development. Distinguished representatives from esteemed media outlets such as China Daily, China Youth Daily, China News Service, China Education News, Xinhua News Agency, China Internet Information Center, Zhejiang Daily, Wenzhou TV, Wenzhou Daily, Wenzhou Evening News, Wenzhou Metropolis Daily, and others were invited to participate.

“Our vision is to achieve excellence in courses, teaching, and research, and become an internationally renowned university and a model of Chinese-foreign cooperation in education,” declared Frank Wang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of WKU, during the press briefing. Chairman Wang shared WKU’s progress since its establishment and unveiled its plans for the next stage. President Repollet also addressed the reporters, emphasizing that the mutual visits between WKU and KU will be further strengthened in the future, and the cooperative relationship between the two universities will be deepened, benefiting students from both countries through cultural exchanges.

During their stay in China, the senior delegation from Kean USA also engaged in meaningful discussions with administrative leaders at WKU, addressing college development, student management, faculty recruitment, and other important matters. They also had the opportunity to visit NYU Shanghai and the historical and cultural block of Wuma in Wenzhou, further enriching their experience of China’s rich cultural heritage.

Together, President Lamont O. Repollet’s visit to China was a momentous occasion, characterized by fruitful discussions, mutual understanding, and strengthened ties between Kean University and WKU, paving the way for continued collaboration and success in the future.

Writer: SMDC Overseas Department, Wenwei XIANG

Proofreader: Kaila Chong