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 delegation participated in the Cornell-China Forum held in Shanghai and engaged with eight Levinson Program students currently studying abroad at Peking University. These students are fulfilling an intensive language requirement while taking courses focused on contemporary China.
During the trip, Patrizia McBride, Senior Associate Dean in the College of Arts & Sciences and Frank H.T. Rhodes Professor of Humane Letters in the Department of German Studies, emphasized the program’s significance. “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. McBride noted that student interest in the program has surged beyond expectations.
The itinerary featured a roundtable discussion that included College leaders, Levinson Program students, alumni, and Adam Levinson, class of 1992, who has been a key supporter of the program. Additionally, Peter John Loewen, the Harold Tanner Dean of Arts & Sciences, delivered a speech celebrating the program’s two decades at the upcoming 2025 Cornell-China Forum.
Engaging Discussions and Collaborative Learning
A highlight of the trip was a panel titled “Building Bridges: The Past and Future of China and Asia-Pacific Studies at Cornell.” This discussion aimed to foster dialogue on the evolving landscape of studies related to China and the Asia-Pacific region. The panelists included faculty, students, and alumni of the Levinson Program, reflecting on the program’s history and its future trajectory.
In addition to these discussions, the Levinson Program collaborated with the Yenching Academy at Peking University to host the “Study China in China” conference. This significant event attracted participation from nearly 20 other China-based programs dedicated to China studies, enhancing the collaborative spirit among academic institutions focused on the region.
The Cornell delegation’s visit not only marked an important milestone for the Levinson Program but also reinforced Cornell’s commitment to international education and engagement. As it celebrates this anniversary, the program stands as a testament to the enduring interest in China and Asia-Pacific studies among students, faculty, and alumni alike.
For further details about the Levinson Program and the events surrounding its 20th anniversary, interested individuals can visit the College of Arts & Sciences website.
