UON celebrates 50-year anniversary in China
Over 150 guests gathered in Beijing last week to mark 50 years of success at the University of Newcastle (UON).
Distinguished guests included Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Heads of School and Professors from over 20 partner universities, research institutions and international schools; representatives from the Australian Embassy, Australian Chamber of Commerce and the Confucius Institute Head Quarters in China.
Many of these partners travelled from across China to join UON Vice-Chancellor Professor Caroline McMillen and Pro Vice-Chancellor of International and Advancement Winnie Eley to celebrate UON's 50th anniversary and to acknowledge the important relationship UON has with its partners in China.
Distinguished Chinese alumni representing the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University and Adsit Media Technology Co, along with honorary doctorate recipients also attended the event.
The event recognised UON's achievements as a young but high achieving institution and acknowledged China's contribution to UON's 50th anniversary milestone.
"In 1966 the first 138 students graduated from the University of Newcastle and today our alumni community now includes over 130,000 people from more than 121 countries, including 4,000 Chinese alumni.
"This shared relationship with our students and alumni is also strengthened with significant research partnerships in China. We are working together across the fields of health and medical research, business, energy and resources, and crop improvement to translate our research into global practice," said Professor McMillen.
The reception also coincides with the conclusion of a UON volunteer 50km fundraising walk along the Great Wall of China that raised over $80,000 for Shaping Futures Scholarship for disadvantaged students across our regions.
The scholarships provide assistance for gifted students facing hardship from factors such as being from a low socio-economic background, coming from a rural or remote area, living with disabilities, or having carer or parenting responsibilities.
"From the time we first opened our doors, our vision has been to transform the lives of those living in our regions through access to education. I am inspired by the commitment of our local staff, students, alumni and friends of UON who have gone to such lengths over the past months to raise funds for talented and in need students," said Professor McMillen.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.