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May 15
An historic meeting took place at Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College in Fuzhou. The Morningside College delegation consisted of President John Reynders, Robin Reynders, Director of Alumni Relations Gene Ambroson, Associate Professor of History and Political Science Greg Guelcher, alumna Carolyn Cox, and Director of Foundation and Grant Development Cathee Phillips. Upon their arrival to the campus, nestled in a hilly neighborhood with winding narrow roads, the Morningside delegation was greeted by Hwa Nan President Zhang Xunjie, Past President Lin Benchun, two vice presidents, faculty members, and alumni. The presidents, vice presidents, and faculty members spoke English as if it were their first language, and one vice president would often translate for the alumni who did not speak English or were unsure of their English.
Read Hwa Nan's description of the Morningside visit:
http://www.hnwomen.com.cn/English/news/20080517.asp
The meeting took place in a delightful sitting room in the International Faculty House. The presidents of the college sat at the “head” of the room, with the past president to President Zhang's left. Fruit was invitingly arranged on small tables in front of the seating for the Morningside delegation. After formal introductions of all present, information was shared about each college. The meeting ended with an invitation from Hwa Nan to enter into a relationship that would benefit both colleges, an invitation that was enthusiastically welcomed by Morningside.
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After the meeting, the Hwa Nan group took the Morningsiders on a tour of their campus and then to see the original campus that was used from 1908 to approximately 1948. The group returned to have lunch at the International Faculty House with the international faculty and Past President Benchun. After a rest period, the Hwa Nan president and staff took the Morningsiders to the university district, where the new Hwa Nan campus is under construction. Hwa Nan will be the only private college to be granted land by the Chinese government within this district, which serves 150,000 students and is home to several public universities. The building of university districts in cities is a relatively new undertaking by the Chinese government. The universities have their own buildings but share common areas such as parks and student centers.
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Morningside College President John Reynders visits with Hwa Nan Women's College President Zhang Xunjie.
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An international faculty member teaches English. The bulletin board reads: “Women who dare have ambition, courage, determination, and passion.” |
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| The view from the English building at Hwa Nan's campus. |
The original campus of Hwa Nan features this building, completed in 1914 and modeled after Lewis Hall and Charles City Hall at Morningside. This building is now protected as an historic building by the Chinese government. Note the lion statue; a lion stands for wisdom in Chinese culture.
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| Architect's rendering of the future Hwa Nan campus, currently under construction. The college needs to raise another $6 million U.S. to realize this vision. |
Morningside President John Reynders, Robin Reynders, Alumni Relations Director Gene Ambroson, and Morningside alumna Carolyn Cox prepare to enter the construction site of Hwa Nan's new campus. |
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| This new classroom building on Hwa Nan's new campus is nearing completion. |
The site of the university district. |
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