Marquette Agreement with Leading Chinese University

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 14, 2005

Contact:	Paul Vornholt, Mayor's Office
	(414) 286-2200

Marquette Signs Formal Collaboration Agreement with Leading Chinese University
Delegation from Beijing Institute of Technology visits Marquette for Ceremony

Milwaukee, WI -- Officials from the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) met with leaders at Marquette University today to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) formalizing educational collaborations between the two universities. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Peter Beitzel, vice president of business development for the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC), also attended the signing ceremony.

"This is another agreement that will continue to open the doors of communication and relationships that began with our recent trade mission. These partnerships and collaborations are necessary to build the trust and cooperation to take the next steps to benefit from each other's economy," said Mayor Barrett.

The agreement, signed by Beijing Institute of Technology Chancellor Wenjun Jiao and Marquette University President Rev. Robert Wild, S.J., declares that both universities agree to promote faculty exchanges, student exchanges, the sharing of information and academic resources that are of mutual interest, and activities such as collaborative research, joint symposia and exchange lectures.

"Our educational philosophy at Marquette has always been premised on a panoramic view of the world. But today, the stakes are even higher. Today's students must not only engage the world, but they must truly be citizens of the world," said Marquette President Rev. Robert Wild, S.J. "Campuses such as ours must help pave a path to the global community for our students."

"Today we have had a fruitful and productive discussion, and we all understand that we live in an era of globalization. Our signatures will be a platform for international collaboration and for faculty and student exchanges for both universities," said Beijing Institute of Technology Chancellor Wenjun Jiao.

"Marquette has enjoyed faculty collaboration with BIT for several years, and we are pleased that this document further establishes a strong partnership between Marquette and one of China's premier institutions of higher learning," said Marquette Provost Madeline Wake. "This represents Marquette's strong commitment to providing a truly global classroom for both our students and faculty. Our partnership with BIT will further strengthen Milwaukee's ties to this critical economic and cultural region."

The signing follows a recent visit to China by a delegation led by Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett that included Dr. Lea Acord, dean of Marquette's College of Nursing, and Dr. Barrett McCormick, professor of political science. It will enhance significant partnerships with BIT initiated over the past decade by Dr. Xin Feng and Dr. George Corliss in Marquette's College of Engineering, as well as other members of the Marquette faculty.

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