Humboldt State University seeks international growth, president Rollin Richmond addresses graduates in China
Contra Costa Times
July 4, 2010
Humboldt State University's President Rollin Richmond traveled over 9,000 miles to Xi'an International Studies University last week to speak to the first graduating class of the Chinese school's Humboldt College.
”We at Humboldt State believe that encounters with other cultures are an essential part of an examined life,” Richmond said at the commencement honoring 15 dual-degree graduates who majored in business or international studies while sharpening their skills in English on the North Coast. “In completing their dual-degree requirements at both universities, they have become full players in this era of globalization.”
Known for its famed Terracotta Warriors, dating back to the 11th century and spanning 13 dynasties, Xi'an is one of China's ancient capitals. Xi'an's Humboldt College is part of a partnership that is officially known as the “Sino-American 1+2+1 Dual Degree Program.”
Paul Mann, HSU's senior communications officer, said the “1+2+1” program provides student and faculty exchanges, joint academic programs, mutual research and scholarships, and gives HSU the chance to increase diversity and multicultural learning on campus by recruiting and enrolling international students.
The program also enables Chinese students to spend their freshman year close to home, come to HSU for their sophomore and junior years, and then finish their senior year back in China and earn degrees from both universities.