“Thank You for Making Our Summer Special!”

A farewell party for the UM faculty and students who had finished their Summer Program at JI was held at the Marco Polo Restaurant on July 4, 2012 , which happens to be the Independence Day of the United States.
The organizers from JI’s International Program office and HR Office decorated the venue with American and Chinese flags and colorful balloons. Like VIPs, attendees were ushered on the red carpet to the signing wall. Some students were busy snapping pictures with the staff and their buddies.
Despite the scorching summer heat, there was a big turnout. Besides the UM students and faculty, many of JI’s faculty and staff showed up for the send-off and celebration. Chatting, laughing, surrounded by a merry, albeit nostalgic, ambiance with music and delicious fusion foods, everybody had a great time.
A video specially produced by the staff showed UM faculty and students sharing their experience, comments, and appreciation of the summer program and Shanghai. Many remarked that their Summer Program in Shanghai is a very special and memorable experience. The departing faculty and students were given souvenirs from JI, and the students reciprocated with a sweet goodbye cake.
The Summer Program lasts 13 weeks. Some faculty and students elect a shorter program that ends at 8 weeks. Four of the UM faculty members were departing this week, namely Professor Par Cassel, Professor Timothy Gordon, Professor Sherrie Kousoudji, and Professor Wei Lu, who wrote: “It has been a great pleasure to teach and discuss with students, as well as to interact with the colleagues here on research and education.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank the colleagues and staff at the joint institute for everything they have provided, which makes this a great experience.”
Six out of the 34 students were going back to the States, including Patrick Halloway. The following message was written on the morning of his departure:
“So I decided that before anyone was awake, I would take my bike and just tour the JI campus this morning. Every path the campus has was mine to explore. This morning had a cool breeze that stayed with me as I pedaled and the early sky was perfect….I’m going to miss this place. Thanks to everyone who made Shanghai a memorable experience!”