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On Nov. 15th, Prof. Ng, President of UIC, addressed the opening meeting of the 5th Sino-American Liberal Arts Conference, saying that understanding and cooperation between MPCC and UIC was tight and deep. As the first college to uphold liberal arts education in mainland China, UIC was unremitting in promoting the spirit through its curriculum and campus culture.

Guests of the 5th Sino-American Liberal Arts Conference

Distinguished guests from the United States including Dr. Paul Pribbenow, President of Augsburg College and Mr. Jay Coogan, President of Minneapolis Colleges of Art and Design spoke at the conference. Top executives of UIC including Prof. Ng Ching-Fai, President, Prof. Zee Sze Yong, Vice-President, Prof. Zhang Cong, Vice-President, Dr. Wendy Chan, Associate Vice-President, and Fulbright Scholars from Hong Kong were present at the conference.

President Ng Gave Openning Speech

Dr. Paul Pribbenow gave a speech entitled A Liberal Arts Life, showing his own understanding of life in liberal arts. He described it as an excellent opportunity for people to think, practice and learn. We should know why we learn, how to learn and what to learn. As society became more complicated, a liberal arts education could help students understand the meaning of life and develop their character and leadership skills.

Dr. Paul Pribbenow, President of Augsburg College

The study of liberal arts also entailed a sense of fairness and justice. It made people keep close perception to the out world and encouraged them to concentrate more on their essential spiritual demand. “Maybe not everyone holds the opportunity to enter the university, but a liberal arts life is a real life that deserves every one of us to pursuit,” said Dr. Pribbenow.

Mr. Jay Coogan’s speech is Putting the Arts in a Liberal Arts Curriculum . He illustrated the importance of art and design in a college curriculum. Students benefited a lot in improving their imagination, thinking and creation through art courses. He gave many examples to show how art made our life better and more colorful.

Mr. Jay Coogan, President of Minneapolis Colleges of Art and Design

Prof. Zee, Vice President of UIC, gave a speech on Preparing Graduates for the 21st Century: The Proposed Curriculum at UIC. Focusing on the innovative experience at UIC, Prof. Zee said a changing world nowadays was in need of social leaders with self-motivation, team spirit, quick learning ability, and independent thinking rather than regular “products” from the assembly line of traditional education. UIC in the coming days would keep on implementing Liberal Arts Education and perfecting its curriculum.

Prof. Zee Sze Yong, Vice President of UIC

President Ng and Dr. Paul Pribbenow