On October 23rd-25th, a Tianjin University (TJU) delegation headed by President Li Jiajun and Executive Vice Party Secretary Yang Xianjin visited Virginia Tech (VT). During their visit, a Memorandum of Understanding and a Student Exchange Agreement were signed between the two universities and a discussion was held on the establishment of their comprehensive strategic partnership and the possibility of the establishment of a Confucius Institute.

The TJU delegation was warmly received by Charles Steger, VT President, John Dooley, Vice President for Outreach and International Affairs, Daniel Wubah, Vice President and Dean for Undergraduate Education, and two Associate Vice Presidents respectively for Research and International Affairs. Also in attendance were Richard Benson, Dean of the College of Engineering, and over 20 representatives from the College of Architecture and Urban Studies, the College of Engineering, the Department of Architecture, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering.

President Li Jiajun presented an overview of the history of TJU, the first university in China, its recent development, new campus, and especially its cooperation with international strategic partners since its launch of the Internationalization Strategy. He expressed his hope that with the frequent faculty and student exchanges and successful cooperation in recent years, the two universities could further promote mutual understanding and substantial collaboration for common development. He also indicated that both universities, with similar disciplinary layouts, have huge potential for their cooperation in the fields of engineering, architecture, management, etc. He added that TJU is willing to explore the possibilities of diversified collaboration and promote the comprehensive cooperation in regard to education, research and discipline development between the two universities.

President Steger indicated that VT is seeking Chinese partners and hopes to deepen mutual trust and consolidate friendship with TJU so as to promote the comprehensive and in-depth cooperation between the two sides. Vice President Dooley spoke highly of TJU’s academic achievements in the areas of architecture, precision instrument and materials. He also expressed his hope that the professors from both sides could promote their mutual understanding through faculty exchanges, seminars, etc., and thus develop substantial cooperation. Associate Vice President Guru Ghosh mentioned, in particular, that VT students had overwhelming interests in learning the Chinese language and understanding Chinese culture. He said that was a major reason why the university desires to establish a Confucius Institute. TJU responded very positively toward this initiative.

During their visit, the TJU delegation also visited the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS) and its Nanoscale Characterization and Fabrication Laboratory. During their meetings with the representatives from the College of Architecture and Urban Studies, the College of Engineering, the Department of Architecture, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, the TJU delegation had an in-depth discussion with them on cooperation details. Both sides agreed to establish joint committee and hold videoconferences regularly to push forward the implementation of their cooperation.

During their stay in the U.S., the delegation participated in the forum of “Seeking the Truth” organized by the TJU Alumni Association in North America. During the forum, President Li briefed the alumni regarding the TJU new campus, its faculty, disciplinary development and student training. He said that TJU is the alma mater of some 200,000 TJU alumni and hoped that all TJU alumni would be actively involved in the development of their alma mater.

Founded in 1872, Virginia Tech is now a comprehensive, innovative research university with the largest number of degree offerings in Virginia. Its agriculture, engineering, architecture, forestry, and veterinary medicine programs from its historical polytechnic core are still considered to be among its strongest. In 2009, the student exchange program and the summer & winter programs were initiated between TJU and VT to go along with their frequent faculty and student exchanges.

The TJU delegation also includes the representatives from the School of Materials Science and Engineering, the School of Precision Instrument and Optoelectronics Engineering, the School of Architecture and the International Cooperation Office.