Celebrations for 10th anniversary of Nottingham in China

Celebrations have begun to mark the 10th anniversary of The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) — the first foreign independent university campus to be established in China. Pictures from the official launch ceremony can be found here.

UNNC opened its doors to students in 2004 and the campus had its official opening in February 2006.

A series of events are planned over the next 12 months to celebrate key milestones in its history and a specially created website tracks the story of its development. The website includes historic information about UNNC including a timeline, photographs showing the development of the purpose-built campus in Ningbo, and student and alumni achievements over the past 10 years.

UNNC is a partnership between The University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom and Zhejiang Wanli Education Group, a key player in the education sector in China. The collaboration was made possible thanks to legislation passed in 2003 in China that permitted the establishment of Sino-foreign universities in the country, in order to encourage new learning opportunities for Chinese students.

Professor David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor at The University of Nottingham, said:

“Ten years after our launch in China, we are approaching the next phase of our development with enthusiasm, energy and optimism.

“We are grateful for the continued support of the Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Government and Ningbo Municipal Government, as well as the substantial commitment of our partner Wanli Education Group and our alumni, friends and sponsors who have contributed so much to our success in Asia.

“I must also pay tribute to all of our staff who have worked at UNNC, past and present. Without their hard work, dedication and passion to succeed, UNNC would not be what it is today.”

 

April 2014 marks a decade since the ground-breaking ceremony took place for the construction of the University, while September 2004 saw the first preliminary year students begin, studying mainly arts and social science subjects.

From fewer than 300 predominately Chinese students when it opened, the University now has more than 6,000 students from more than 60 countries worldwide, creating a truly international environment in which to study. Subjects offered now include engineering, science and education, as well as the arts and social sciences courses that were available when the campus opened.

Professor Nick Miles, Provost at The University of Nottingham Ningbo China, said:

“I’m extremely honoured to be here at The University of Nottingham Ningbo China as it celebrates its 10th birthday and of what has been achieved since we opened.

“The events and activities planned over the year are intended not only to celebrate the key milestones in our history but to also celebrate the people that have contributed to what UNNC is today — from our students, our alumni and our past and present staff.

“Looking to the future, we want to develop and enhance the student community, to maintain excellence in the provision of teaching and learning and to deliver high-impact research to address global challenges as well as the city and region’s needs.”

 

Events planned throughout the year since becoming the first Sino-foreign university in China include receptions at the British Embassies in Beijing and London, and international conferences and a student summit at the UNNC campus.

A campaign on social media channels Sina Weibo and Twitter will gather people’s memories of UNNC, using the hashtag #UNNCmemories.

Posted on 16 April 2014

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