我们的故事 - Our Story

"Thanks to efforts from the US government and people from different sectors, 150 students from the earthquake-hit areas are now studying at the State University of New York. I am convinced that when they return to China after finishing their studies here, they will be able to better help the building of their homeland and they will surely join in the endeavor to promote China-US friendship." Premier Wen Jiabao Remarks

In May 2008, a devastating earthquake struck the area around Chengdu in Sichuan Province, China, causing enormous loss of life, injuries and damage, and completely changing the lives of five million people. The State University of New York (SUNY), with Governor David Paterson's support, made an extraordinary gesture of welcoming 150 university students from Sichuan Province, to study at 22 campuses of the University at no charge for a year.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao personally endorsed SUNY China 150 on September 23rd, specifically noting the program's importance to his nation and to future U.S. - China relations.

Premier Wen met with a SUNY student representative, and Madame Chen Zhili, Vice Chair of the National People's Congress, spent an afternoon meeting with 25 of the students. Madame Chen stressed the importance of their time in the United States, and encouraged them to actively support their communities when they return to China.

The students

The SUNY China150 students were chosen after a careful review of academic performance and English language proficiency of over 2000 applicants - all done in two weeks. The participating students include 97 women and 53 men. Ten percent are minorities from the Zang (Tibet) and Qiang ethnic groups, which were severely affected by the Wenchuan earthquake. Many lost family members in the tragedy. The students, primarily sophomores and juniors, will spend the next two semesters as full-time students at SUNY campuses. In addition to their classes, SUNY China 150 will help to form this group as a connected network of future leaders, based on their common experiences in the United States. When they return to China these talented men and women have committed to rebuild the local infrastructure in the earthquake impacted region.

For more information about the program, please visit:

http://www.levin.suny.edu/sunychina150.cfm