Letter from Tom Moebus

To My friends in the SUNY China 150 program

I am so proud and pleased for all of you, as you complete your year of study, hard work, friendship, and bridge building here in the State University of New York.  I remember meeting you all last August on a warm evening at the Chinese consulate, and thinking then what a wonderful opportunity and wonderful journey you had in front of you.  I never was so inspired as I was that night with the hope and potential that I saw in your faces.

During the year, I have been fortunate to see you from time to time.  I will never forget our singing New York, New York at the dinner in Elmhurst.  I was amazed that you learned that song overnight.  I felt lucky to share the spirit of that song with you – “If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere”.  You have made it here in New York.  You can make it anywhere.

When we thought about this wonderful program, we saw you as a “human bridge” – a bridge from the catastrophe of the earthquake to a bright future – and a bridge between Sichuan Province and New York State – between our families, our friends, our communities.  Continue to be that bridge as our friends, as our alumni.  Keep New York in your mind.  Our future will be better for this friendship that will keep our world together.  May God bless you.

Tom Moebus