On September 26th, Dr. Tong Shijun, the Chancellor of the University of Central Arkansas partner school, East China Normal University, presented lecture at the Clinton School of Public Service in honor of the tenth anniversary of the Confucius Institute.

Chancellor Tong’s lecture was entitled “The Idea of Multiple Democracies” and addressed the current political, economic and cultural development of China and its worldwide effects.

Prof. Shijun Tong is the Chancellor of East China Normal University (ECNU) in Shanghai. He is also a member of the Social Science Committee of the National Ministry of Education of China, Vice Chairman of Shanghai Federation of Social Sciences, and Editor-in-Chief of Philosophical Analysis.

Tong got his PhD from University of Bergen in Norway in 1994 and has been a professor of philosophy at ECNU since then. He was a visiting professor at the University of Marburg of Germany and a Fulbright research scholar at Columbia University in the United States. In 2010 Tong was elected foreign member of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.

Tong has published more than 10 books and over 100 papers in areas of epistemology, practical philosophy, and social theory.

The UCA Confucius Institute for Arkansas was established in 2007 with East China Normal University, one of the most prestigious universities in China as its partner university. It is the 24th Confucius Institute created within the United States and one of 350 worldwide. It is the only such institute in Arkansas and one of the very few located in the South.

The mission of the Confucius Institute at the University of Central Arkansas is to strengthen the ties between the State of Arkansas and the People’s Republic of China, to enhance the mutual understanding of each respective culture, to promote Chinese language and culture within the State of Arkansas. This is done in a variety of ways including “Teaching Chinese in Arkansas” program, cultural experience, business translation and consultation services, seminars, as well as cultural performances and exhibitions.

As part of the University of Central Arkansas Confucius Institute’s series of activities to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Confucius Institute, the University of Central Arkansas will host an art performance entitled “Enchanting Melodies From China” by the art troupe from Beijing Normal University on September 20^th at Reynolds Performance Hall. The performance features traditional and contemporary Chinese music and dances, such as a drum dance and Chinese harp music. The performance will start at 7:30 pm on Saturday, September 20^th, 2014 and is free to the public.

The UCA Confucius Institute for Arkansas was established in 2007 with East China Normal University, one of the most prestigious universities in China as its partner university. It is the 24th Confucius Institute created within the United States and one of 350 worldwide. It is the only such institute in Arkansas and one of the very few located in the South.

The mission of the Confucius Institute at the University of Central Arkansas is to strengthen the ties between the State of Arkansas and the People’s Republic of China, to enhance the mutual understanding of each respective culture, to promote Chinese language and culture within the State of Arkansas. This is done in a variety of ways including “Teaching Chinese in Arkansas” program, cultural experience, business translation and consultation services, seminars, as well as cultural performances and exhibitions.

This performance is one of many events the University of Central Arkansas is hosting to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the founding of the Confucius Institute. For a full schedule of events please visit uca.edu/global/ciday.

Mayor Tab Townsell declared September 9^th, 2014 to be “Centro Universitário do Sul de Minas-Grupo UNIS Day”  in the City of Conway in honor of the delegation from Grupo UNIS of Varginha, Brazil’s visit to the University of Central Arkansas last week.

UNIS Education Group, founded in 1965, is a non-profit organization whose values are service, excellence and innovation and is one of Brazil’s most recognized educational institutions. The delegation included UNIS Presitdent Dr. Stefano Gazzola, Director of International Relations Carol Garcia Telles Brito and International Coordinator Genaro Campregher.

UCA Vice President of Advancement Shelley Meh read the proclamation and presented the key to the city to President and Rector of UNIS Stefano Gazzola in a ceremony at UCA on Tuesday.

During their visit, the delegation from UNIS met with UCA President Tom Courtway, Executive Vice President and Provost Steve Runge, Associate Vice President and Associate Provost, Jane Ann Williams to discuss projects including UCA’s “Leaders of the World 2016” program to be held in Brazil, as well as the Culture and Language Immersion Program in which 26 UNIS faculty and senior leaders will participate in on the UCA campus in January 2015.

Regarding their visit to UCA, Mrs. Brito commented: “President Stefano and I are very happy with the connection between UNIS and UCA. We hope to strengthen the ties between our institutions through joint projects, such as courses, conferences, research articles, language courses and cultural events.”

Mayor Townsell’s proclamation is as follows:

Whereas, The City of Conway recognizes the importance of higher education and specifically the positive impact of the University of Central Arkansas in sustaining the vibrancy and attractiveness of Conway to students, residents, and the business community; and,

Whereas, the broadest possible exposure to the full breadth of humanity is critical to create an enriched and engaging higher educational experience; and international studies, exchanges, and engagements are a critically important component of that exposure; and,

Whereas, the University of Central Arkansas of Conway, Arkansas and Centro Universitário do Sul de Minas – Grupo UNIS of Varginha, Brazil wish to strengthen the relationship between the two schools in order to better enrich the collegiate experience; and,

Whereas, the Centro Universitário do Sul de Minas – Grupo UNIS has sent a distinguished delegation of guests to the University of Central Arkansas and the City of Conway, in the pursuit of such an enriched relationship, including Mr. Stefano Gazzola, President and Rector, Ms. Carol Garcia Telles Brito, Director of International Relations, and Mr. Genero Campegher, Coordinator of International Relations; and,

Whereas, the City of Conway celebrates the multicultural experiences of all its citizens as it basks in the wonderful glow of higher education and the benefits and benevolences it brings,

Now therefore I, Tab Townsell, Mayor of Conway, do hereby on behalf of the City of Conway, welcome the Centro Universitário do Sul de Minas – Grupo UNIS of Varginha, Brazil and distinguished guests, Dr. Stefano Gazzola, Ms. Carol Garcia Telles Brito, and Mr. Genero Campegher to our Fair City and proclaim it, “Centro Universitário do Sul de Minas – Grupo UNIS Day” in the City of Conway.

Conway, Arkansas, September 5th 2014. Dr. Stefano Gazzola, President of UNIS: Centro Universitario do Sul de Minas, will be visiting the University of Central Arkansas campus during a 4-day cultural and academic program. UNIS is one of Brazil´s most recognized educational institutions. The delegation includes Director of International Relations Carol Garcia Telles Brito and International Coordinator Genaro Campregher.

Founded in 1965 UNIS Education Group is a non-profit organization whose values are service, excellence and innovation. UNIS’ vision is to educate socially responsible people, across all academic areas to contribute to the development of the regions in which they operate.

UNIS has 6,300 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students, and an academic staff and faculty of 700. Although UNIS has many international collaborations, UCA is the first and only US partner.

Dr. Gazzola holds a Masters degree in industrial engineering from USFC and is an expert in Social Philosophy from the Catholic University. He also graduated in History and Philosophy from Catholic University. Currently, he is the President of the Association of Educations Foundations of Higher Education of the Association of University Centers of Minas and a Member of the Board of Education of Minas Gerais.

President Gazzola’s visit will be an occasion to foster international relations among our institutions, as well as discuss other projects including Leaders of the World 2015 to be held on the UCA campus in April, as well as the Culture and Language Immersion Program in which 20 UNIS faculty and staff will participate in January 2015.

Regarding their visit to UCA, Mrs. Brito commented: “President Stefano and I are very happy with the connection between UNIS and UCA. We hope to strengthen the ties between our institutions through joint projects, such as courses, conferences, research articles, language courses and cultural events.”

The UNIS delegation will be in Arkansas September 5^th through 9^th

Dr. Marcelo De Vincenzi and Dr. Patricia Zinno of UAI meet with Executive Vice President and Provost Steve Runge and the Council of Deans

Dr. Marcelo De Vincenzi, Dean of Computer Technology at the Universidad Abierta Interamericana, and Dr. Patricia Zinno, Director of UAI’s Vaneduc Educational Consortium in Buenos Aries, Argentina visited the University of Central Arkansas this week as a part of UCA Center for Global Learning and Engagement’s Culture and Language Immersion Camp that is being held on the UCA campus this month. The camp, which hosts twenty-six UAI students from three different countries, is a three-week cultural summer camp for college students from around the world to learn about American culture while improving their English skill.

During their visit, they met with President Tom Courtway, Executive Vice President and Provost Steve Runge and the Council of Deans to discuss future cooperation including exchanges between UCA and UAI and special educational programming including UCA’s annual Leaders of the World Program.

UCA President Tom Courtway, Dr. Marcelo De Vincenzi, and Executive Vice President and Provost Steve Runge

“We are delighted that Dr. De Vincenzi and Dr. Zinno have taken the time to visit our university and look forward to ongoing programing with UAI,” said UCA Associate Vice President and Associate Provost, Jane Ann Williams.

In January, 2015, UCA and UAI will host a Culture and English Immersion Program for Professionals, bringing educators, legislators, and business leaders from around the world together. You can read more about the January program here.

Ha Ram, Lara Bersano, and
Gerson Semedo (BAICA School tutor)

The University of Central Arkansas Center for Global Learning and Engagement awarded its first ever Distinguished International Student Scholarship to Ha Ram Kim, a student at Buenos Aires International Christian Academy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Kim was chosen for this scholarship based on his outstanding academic achievement, as well as his excellent record in community service in acting as a tutor to students with learning disabilities. In addition to being class valedictorian, Kim is also the founder and president of his high school’s Community Service Club, where he organized and led donation drives for local orphanages and food banks.

“We are certain that Kim will be a beacon of leadership and commitment to UCA and his community and benefit from this amazing opportunity,” said UCA Latin American Specialist Lara Bersano, in a ceremony held for Kim at the United States Embassy in Buenos Aires last week.

In addition to Kim’s friends and family, U.S. Embassy Cultural Affairs Representative Linda Talluto; Buenos Aires International Christian Academy Coordinator Gerson Semedo; and Education USA Advisors Amy Molden and Sarah Sumadi were also in attendance at the ceremony, as well as Bersano, who works from Argentina.

“Although we in Arkansas could not present for the celebration, we are honored to have this young scholar representing Argentina at UCA,” said UCA Associate Vice President and Associate Provost Jane Ann Williams.

Kim plans to pursue a degree in the field of education but also hopes to continue his community service efforts while at UCA. “This scholarship is even more significant to my family and me as UCA is an open door when most of the doors have closed on me. I will not only try my best at upholding excellence, but will also strive to be the person who helps open new doors to others, both at UCA and abroad,” said Kim.

The Distinguished International Student Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship with awards being determined based upon college proficiency exams, grade point average, essay submission, and letters of recommendation.

Distinguished International Student Scholars will receive an award equivalent to full tuition and fees and includes housing and meals for the fall and spring semesters up to four years. To read more about this scholarship as well as other scholarships available to international students at UCA, visit www.uca.edu/global/scholarship.

On Saturday, June 7th, University of Central Arkansas Center for Global Learning and Engagement had the opportunity to volunteer with the Arkansas Dream Center and their summer program, Adopt-A-Block.  Fourteen international students from UCA went to a local community to spend time engaging in culture activities with children.  Activities included basketball, football, crafts, and singing songs.  The Adopt-A-Block volunteer activity was a great opportunity for international students at UCA to connect with the local community and for children in Conway Arkansas to meet students from China, Japan, and Kazakhstan and experience new language and culture.

A delegation from Anhui Normal University (ANU) in China visited the University of Central Arkansas on Tuesday, April 28^th to meet with President Tom Courtway and sign agreements regarding the Global Education Project and exchange student programs. The delegations included ANU Provost, Jiacun Zhu; ANU  Director of International Affairs, Shengjiong Huang; the Dean of the ANU College of Foreign Languages, Jingze Zheng; and Senior Director of the Global Office of Diversity for Walmart and ANU alum Donald Fan.

“Anhui Normal University is a school with a long history of excellence. We are honored to work with them and look forward to continued cooperation in providing the best in international education for all of our students,” said Assistant Provost and Director of Center for Global Learning and Engagement, Jane Ann Williams.

During the visit, Senior Director of the Global Office of Diversity for Walmart, Donald Fan, met with President Tom Courtway to officially accept a position on the UCA Confucius Institute Board of Directors for the UCA Confucius Institute. As a board member, Mr. Fan will be a vital part of decisions regarding the development and advancement of the UCA Confucius Institute, including the Teach Chinese in Arkansas program, which oversees the placement of Chinese teachers in Arkansas public schools.

UCA Center for Global Learning and Engagement provided the delegation with a tour of the UCA campus including the UCA Confucius Institute and Intensive English Program.

While on the UCA campus, the delegation also met with Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Steve Runge; Assistant Provost and Director of Center for Global Learning and Engagement, Jane Ann Williams; College of Liberal Arts Dean, Maurice Lee; College of Business Dean, Michael Hargis; College of Education Dean, Diana Pounder; and Department of World Languages Chair, Phillip Bailey.

Senior Director of the Global Office of Diversity for Walmart, Donald Fan, met with President Tom Courtway to officially accept a position on the UCA Confucius Institute Board of Directors for the UCA Confucius Institute. As a board member, Mr. Fan will be a vital part of decisions regarding the development and advancement of the UCA Confucius Institute including the Teach Chinese in Arkansas program, which oversees the placement of Chinese teachers in Arkansas public schools.

“It is a great honor to have Mr. Fan on our board,” said Dr. Guo-Ou Zhuang, the director of the UCA Confucius Institute. “Mr. Fan’s expertise and experience highlight UCA’s dedication to academic vitality, integrity, and diversity. We know he will be an asset to our Board of Directors.”

Donald Fan currently serves as a board director of Global Diversity and Inclusion Foundation, also as a member of the Wharton Advisory Panel of Executives, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University Executive Thought Leader Advisory Board.

Mr. Fan taught college in China before coming to the United States for graduate studies in 1990. Mr. Fan earned a Bachelor in English Literature and Master Degrees in Education from Anhui Normal University.

Mr. Fan’s visit to UCA was in conjunction with a visiting delegation from his Alma Mater, Anhui Normal University to meet with President Courtway and sign agreements regarding the Global Education Project and exchange student programs. The delegations included ANU Provost, Jiacun Zhu; ANU Director of International Affairs, Shengjiong Huang; and the Dean of the ANU College of Foreign Languages, Jingze Zheng.

Congratulations to our Spring 2014 graduates!