RAA China Chapter President Xinfeng Wang MBA ’03 presents President Jackson with an honorary plaque. The inscription reads “Change”, “Determination”, “Persistence” and “Excellence.”
Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson and four Rensselaer professors recently travelled to China to participate in the World Economic Forum in Tianjin. During her visit, about 60 Rensselaer alumni and officials from academic partner institutions honored President Jackson with a reception and award presentation in Beijing. During the reception, the Rensselaer Alumni Association’s China Chapter (RAA) screened “Why Not Change the World?” a video created by Lally graduates that highlighted the career achievements of RPI alumni in China. Mr. Shufeng Xu P’07, Honorary President of the RAA China Chapter, produced the video, Mr. Jinglei Lei MBA ’00 wrote the video script, and Mr. Xinfeng Wang MBA ’03, President of the RAA China Chapter, helped translate the script into English subtitles.
Many Lally alumni attended the reception, along with our academic business program partners from Renmin University, including Renmin Associate Dean Jerry (Jiye) Mao and Associate Dean James (Jianmin) Sun. Two Renmin undergraduate exchange students from last semester were also present. At the culmination of the event, the RAA China Chapter presented Dr. Jackson with a customized commemorative plaque, designed in her honor by Chapter President Wang. The hand carved plaque features a portrait of Dr. Jackson along with Chinese characters signifying the words “Change,” “Determination,” “Persistence,” and “Excellence.” These inspirational words were carefully chosen from a speech by President Jackson. Honorary Chapter President Xu also arranged an interview with President Jackson in China that aired internationally via satellite TV. Longjun (Peter) Zhu MBA ‘99, Secretary General of the RAA China chapter, coordinated the invitations and logistics for the event, which was hosted by Mr. Wang. Both Mr. Xu and Mr. Zhu are recipients of the Rensselaer Alumni Key Award, which recognizes outstanding service and support of the advancement of Rensselaer.
Lally: A History of Strategic Partners in China
Lally has a long history of strategic partnerships with leading Chinese Universities, economic development groups, and business organizations, including:
- Renmin University in Beijing is an educational exchange partner with Rensselaer, and has collaborated with Lally international faculty research and hosted the Lally Executive MBA program’s international residency program. Renmin School of Business Dean Zhihong Yi visited Rensselaer’s campus in 2009, meeting with Provost Robert Palazzo and Lally Associate Dean Jeff Durgee and lecturing at the Lally School.
- Zhejiang University (“Zheda”) in Hangzhou partners with the Severino Center for Technological Entrepreneurship in a joint research center for Global Business and Technological Entrepreneurship.
- China Three Gorges Project Corporation (CTGPC): In 2006-07, Lally hosted an Executive Educational Exchange for managers from the China Three Gorges Project Corporation (CTGPC). Located in Yichang, Hubei Province, China, CTGPC manages the Three Gorges Dam, which spans the Yangtze River and houses the largest hydroelectric power station in the world.
- Sino-U.S. Management and Technology MBA (“SUMBA”) Program From 1998–2002 Lally pioneered the Sino-U.S. Management and Technology MBA (“SUMBA”) Program—a Technology-Oriented MBA Program for Chinese Managers. The SUMBA program’s goal was to educate technology-oriented managers for Western/Chinese operations, including western companies in China, joint ventures in China, and Chinese Companies in the U.S. Many SUMBA graduates now hold senior executive positions in China and worldwide.
