XJTLU Awards First Honorary Degrees

Professor Michael Fang, Professor Jianhua Wang and Professor Sir Drummond Bone all played different and crucial roles in establishing XJTLU 10 years ago.

They were recognised with honorary degrees during XJTLU's graduation ceremonies this week. This was the first time XJTLU awarded honorary degrees, which are usually given by universities around the world to recipients who have made significant achievements in their field or to society in general.

XJTLU president Professor Wenquan Tao presented the honorary graduates with their awards and gave orations detailing their achievements.

Professors Fang and Bone were part of the team at the University of Liverpool involved in initial discussions with Xi'an Jiaotong in 2003 that would lead to the setting up of the joint venture campus.

Professor Fang, a world-renowned expert in electrical engineering who had a very successful career at Liverpool, had extensive academic connections with Xi'an Jiaotong that led, in part, to the two institutions coming together to form XJTLU. He became XJTLU's first executive vice president when the University opened in 2006.

He said: "I am truly humbled by the award of the honorary degree. I think it more appropriate as a recognition of the contribution of so many people who were involved in the establishment of XJTLU."

As vice-chancellor of the University of Liverpool at the time of discussions, Sir Drummond was the driving force behind the Liverpool's role in the partnership with Xi'an Jiaotong. As vice-chancellor, he also significantly increased Liverpool's national and international profile, establishing both the University's and the city's continuing relationship with China.

Professor Wang was a founding member, and former director, of the XJTLU Board. The chair of Xi'an Jiaotong University Council since 2003, he was able to use his position to develop the very strong partnership and friendship between XJTLU's two founding universities playing a crucial role in the establishment of XJTLU in Suzhou Industrial Park.

Professor Youmin Xi, XJTLU executive president, at XJTLU stated: "All three of our honorary graduates played important roles in the establishment of XJTLU – we would not be here if it were not for their vision, determination and hard work,"

"I'm delighted we've been able to recognise their contribution to XJTLU with these honorary doctorates in our milestone 10^th anniversary year."