Wenzhou-Kean’s 20th anniversary of founding agreement, celebrated at Kean New Jersey
Twenty years of cooperation, WKU and Kean USA embark on a new journey of educational partnership.
Union, New Jersey: On the evening of March 26, Kean University held an event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the agreement to establish Wenzhou-Kean University at Kean Hall on its Union campus.
Mr. Pan Jianzhong, Chairman of Wenzhou-Kean University, and Dr. Lamont Repollet, President of Kean University, as well as representatives of the Chinese and American campuses, discussed the bright future of China-US educational exchanges.
They were joined by nearly 100 guests from across New Jersey, representatives of China’s Consulate General in New York and other institutions to commemorate twenty years of achievements accomplished by WKU.
Twenty years ago, in the same hall, Mr. Xi Jinping, then party secretary of Zhejiang Province, personally attended and delivered a major speech during the signing ceremony of WKU on May 8, 2006. Today, WKU has become China’s largest Sino-US cooperative university in China in terms of campus size and student enrollment. WKU also offers a full range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs with broad public access.
In June 2024, President Xi Jinping replied to a letter from Kean University President Lamont Repollet, recognizing the results achieved by WKU and deeming it a “landmark project of China-US educational cooperation.”
During the celebration banquet, representatives from China and the United States delivered speeches, shared their aspirations for the and collaborated on a blueprint for future development.
Mr. Pan Jianzhong, Chairman of Wenzhou-Kean University
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the NJ-Zhejiang Sister-State relationship. Chairman Pan Jianzhong pointed out that WKU was born as a hand-in-hand agreement across the Pacific Ocean, establishing a profound continuation of the friendship between the two regions. Despite the challenges received, it continues on a steady path of development with trusted long-term American partners and the full support of all walks of life in both China and the United States.
Standing at a new historical starting point, WKU will embark on its journey of the “Second Phase of development.”
Chairman Pan said, WKU will continue to deepen cultural and interpersonal exchanges between China and the United States. Striving to create a cradle for future international leaders while working toward a new era of greater, high-quality development.
Dr. Lamont Repollet, President of Kean University
During his speech, President Lamont Repollet recalled the original intention and vision of the cooperation signed by the two universities 20 years ago. Expressing sincere gratitude to the Chinese and American university leadership who have contributed to WKU’s successful construction and development. Turning with enthusiasm toward the future, he looks forward to KUSA and WKU continuing to think bigger, reach further, and prepare the next generation to “start here, go anywhere.”
两校代表互赠礼物
During the banquet, Chairman Pan Jianzhong, President Lamont Repollet and representatives of the state government of New Jersey exchanged gifts to commemorate the two anniversaries, further deepening the friendship between China and the US.
The banquet also featured historical photographs, vividly showcasing the footprint and result of the twenty-year partnership.
Wenzhou-Kean University is a cooperative project between Zhejiang Province and New Jersey. It was signed in May 2006 and approved for construction in November 2011, formally opening in March 2014. To date, the University has awarded more than 5,200 degrees, including undergraduate and graduate degrees. Led by a community of 260 full-time faculty members from more than 40 countries and regions around the world. With over 18 undergraduate and 11 postgraduate majors, it has graduated more than 5,000 students and promoted exchanges between more than 2,800 Chinese and American students. Solidifying an important bond and deep integration between China and the United States in education, economy, and culture.
Writer: Amori Cross-Faulks
Proofreader: Wenwei Xiang
