Leaders from Cornell University’s College of Arts & Sciences recently embarked on a trip to China to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Brittany and Adam J. Levinson Program in China and Asia-Pacific Studies. The visit included participation in the Cornell-China Forum held in Shanghai, where they joined fellow Cornell delegates and engaged with students currently studying abroad.
During this significant celebration, leaders met with eight Levinson Program students studying at Peking University. These students are fulfilling an intensive language requirement while taking courses focusing on contemporary China. Patrizia McBride, senior associate dean in Arts & Sciences and the Frank H.T. Rhodes Professor of Humane Letters in the Department of German Studies, highlighted the program’s resilience. “The Levinson Program is a core component of our international engagement with China and the Asia-Pacific, and we’re proud it has weathered the uncertainties and challenges of COVID,” she stated. “Student interest has revived beyond our wildest expectations.”
Engagement and Discussions
The itinerary featured various activities designed to foster connections and celebrate the program’s achievements. Notable events included a roundtable discussion featuring College leaders, Levinson Program students, alumni, and Adam Levinson, a key supporter of the program who graduated in 1992.
During the Cornell-China Forum, Peter John Loewen, the Harold Tanner Dean of Arts & Sciences, delivered a speech celebrating the program’s two decades of impact. The discussions continued with a panel titled “Building Bridges: The Past and Future of China and Asia-Pacific Studies at Cornell.”
Another highlight was the “Study China in China” conference, collaboratively organized by the Levinson Program and the Yenching Academy at Peking University. This conference attracted nearly 20 other China-based programs focused on China studies, further emphasizing the collaborative spirit within the academic community.
The Levinson Program, since its inception, has played a pivotal role in enhancing understanding and engagement with China and the Asia Pacific. As it enters its third decade, the program stands as a testament to the enduring interest in international studies, fostering dialogue and collaboration across borders.
For further details, readers can visit the College of Arts & Sciences website, where the complete story is available.
