Campus News
Westminster Graduates First Cohort from Nankai University 2+2 Program
Nine students will receive dual degrees from Westminster and Nankai University in China
SALT LAKE CITY – Westminster College will graduate its first cohort of students in the 2+2 Nankai University dual-degree program. Nine students will receive degrees from both Westminster and Nankai University in China during commencement on June 2, 2012.
In 2007, Westminster President Michael Bassis signed a student exchange agreement with Nankai University in Tianjin, allowing undergraduate students the opportunity to study economics at either campus. Participants in the 2+2 program spend two years at Nankai and two years at Westminster, receiving dual degrees upon completion. In the fall of 2010, the first cohort of undergraduate students from Nankai began studying at Westminster. Those nine students will receive their dual degrees during Westminster’s 2012 commencement.
“The purpose of the 2+2 program is to provide more international and global learning experience to the students of both institutions,” said Chris Tong, director at the Center for China-American Business Studies at Westminster. “With more outstanding Chinese students studying at Westminster, it also strengthens the diversity aspect of our learning.”
The program is also enhancing the post-graduation opportunities of the students. Each of the 2+2 graduates is moving on to graduate studies at prestigious institutions or has secured employment.
Yajing Fan is already working as an analyst at Goldman Sachs. She knows her education in the 2+2 program helped her land an internship, and then, a full-time job.
“Because of 2+2, Goldman Sachs knew the value of my fluency in two languages,” said Yajing Fan. “They also wanted someone from a local college who also had international experience.”
Ai Fan will be pursing a master’s in finance at the University of Illinois. She credits the dual-degree program with giving her an advantage in such a competitive field.
“The program undoubtedly prepared me for my upcoming graduate life in the United States. I’m more familiar with the academic culture and language here,” said Ai Fan. “Also, the internship opportunities I’ve had with U.S. companies has broadened my career prospects.”
“They are getting the best possible education from both the east and the west,” said Tong. “I have no doubt that these graduates from our 2+2 program will be very successful in their future careers. I am confident that they can be the future business and community leaders.”
Media Contacts: Krista DeAngelis & Arikka Von (801) 832-2682
About Westminster:
Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster is distinguished by its unique environment for learning. Westminster prepares students for success through active and engaged learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. Westminster’s unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake, further enriches the college experience. For more information, visit www.westminstercollege.edu or follow WestminsterSLC on Twitter.
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