The University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI, JI hereafter) held the 2021 Thank You Day event at Long Bin Building on November 20, in a bid to express gratitude to all people who have provided support for the development of JI.
In the opening speech, Dean Peisen Huang said this year marks the 15th anniversary of JI as it plans an important transition to greater future development. Joint efforts and support of students, faculty and staff, as well as people from all walks of life is indispensable to the development of the Joint Institute. Gratitude is not only the deep emotion hidden in the hearts of JIers, but also the rich source of power to encourage all to forge ahead. JI is bound to have a brighter future with concerted efforts and strong support of all parties.
John Wu, director of the SJTU Board and co-chair of the JI Development Advisory Board (DAB hereafter) , made a congratulatory speech on behalf of the board and donors. It has been six years since the establishment of John Wu and Jane Sun Scholarships at the Joint Institute. Seeing JI fostering outstanding talents year after year is truly gratifying and exciting, said Wu, who also hoped that JI will continue to develop well and make greater contribution to the society.
JI leaders present an commemorative album to each DAB member as a token of appreciation
SJTU and JI leaders present certificate of donation and appreciation to Liming Yu
DAB member Liming Zheng and his wife Xiaomin Zheng, who has made numerous donations to JI, added a gift on occassion of the public listing of their enterprise Zhejiang Liming Intelligent Manufacturing Co., Ltd. on Shanghai Stock Exchange recently. The new contribution to be put under SJTU Yu Liming Teaching Professorship will be used to award outstanding faculty members and support the teaching courses of the Joint Institute.
SJTU and JI leaders present certificate of donation and appreciation to Peter Hua
The Sam and Daisy Wu Scholarship was initiated by Professor Jun Ni and other co-initiators such as Peter Hua in May 2018 in memory of the late Professor Shien-Ming (Sam) Wu of University of Michigan and his wife Daisy T. Wu. Since its establishment, the Sam and Daisy Wu Fund has raised 3 million RMB and awarded 10 students.
Donors including Secretary-general Tongkang Jin of Tang Junyuan Education Foundation, UM alumnus and Tomay Inc. Chairman Richard Rogel, and Independent Analyst and Investor John Cheng sent videos and letters, congratulating the opening of the event, expressing willingness of further support and encouraging students to make greater contribution to the society.
Scholarship awarding ceremony was held after the donor-appreciation ceremony.
JI leaders award 2021 Student Development Scholarship
JI leaders and donors award 2021 John Wu and Jane Sun Scholarships
JI leaders and donor award 2021 Yu Liming Scholarships
JI leaders award 2021 Yadong Scholarships
JI leaders award 2021 Fuda Scholarship
JI leaders and donors award 2021 Sam and Daisy Wu Scholarship
Wanxuan Ming, winner of John Wu and Jane Sun Outstanding Scholarship and Assel Surshanova, winner of Cheng Family Scholarship, made remarks during the ceremony to express their appreciation for the donors’ support.
Student representatives sing a song named Seasons of Love to express gratitude to donors
In his closing speech, JI Honorary Dean Jun Ni said there is no shortcut to success for everyone. In addition to talent and opportunity, continuous efforts are needed to achieve the goal of success. Thanks to the kindness and support from all sectors of society, JI has made great achievements over the past 15 years. In the mean time, it also faces numerous challenges. Looking ahead, JI is expected to embrace a brighter future with joint efforts of all to pursue excellence.
Group photo of event attendees
Donors talk with students during the event
As part of the Thank You Day event, the UM-SJTU JI Art Exhibition was held on the same day at Long Bin Building, displaying art works from JI faculty and staff, alumni, parents and celebrities from all walks of life.
