A Thanksgiving luncheon sponsored by the University of Michigan- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI) Student Union was held at Yu Liming Center on November 23, attended by Dean Peisen Huang, Associate Dean Gang Zheng and some faculty and staff members.
The students prepared a feast of turkeys with trimmings. Professor Shane Johnson carved the turkeys while Dean Huang served. Professor Thomas Hamade’s humorous introductory remarks enlivened the atmosphere. He told the students to be grateful and think of those who suffer from hunger around the world.
“Thanksgiving is a day of family reunion in the U.S.A. The Joint Institute is also a big family; I hope all teachers and students from all corners of the world can feel the warmth of this big family,” remarked Dean Huang. He encouraged students to thank all the people who have helped them.
Afterward, the students sat around the teachers for a chat. Professor Horst Hohberger commented that despite the heavy school load, the students should take the time to go out of the campus and explore. Professor Hamade told the story of his father’s first Thanksgiving in the United States as well as his experience in the U.S. In addition, Dean Huang and the students discussed JI’s curriculum. Some students suggested that the projects of Introduction to Engineering could be more closely integrated with practical projects.
The Thanksgiving luncheon was an excellent opportunity for teachers and students to communicate and understand each other. Through friendly exchanges in a relaxed atmosphere, JI can improve and make progress.
