October 9, 2007

Beijing news conference to announce Confucius Institute

Oct. 11: Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, Troy University and officials of the Peoples Republic of China will hold a news conference at 10 a.m. (local time) at the Landmark Beijing Hotel, 8 North Dongsanhuan Road (Chaoyang District), Beijing 100004.
 
The news conference will announce the establishment of the Confucius Institute at Troy University on the campus of Troy University in partnership with Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology.
 
Representing Alabama and the University at this event will be:
Gov. Bob Riley, who will offer an address
Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr., who will offer an address
Alabama Development Office Director Neal Wade
Dr. Douglas Hawkins, president pro-tem of the University’s board of trustees
Rural Alabama Council Director Gerald Dial, member University’s board of trustees
Sen. J.T. Waggoner, Alabama State Senate
Sen. Steve French, Alabama State Senate
Dr. Ed Roach, provost and executive vice chancellor of Troy University
Dr. Earl Ingram, vice chancellor for University College, Troy University
Dr. Curtis Porter, associate vice chancellor for International Programs, Troy University
 
Representing the Peoples Republic of China at this event will be:
Mr. Deng Yajun, director of the China Youth Center for International Exchange
Mr. Shi Qianfeng, chairman of the board of Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology
Mr. Tang Shengling, president of Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology
Officials from the Ministry of Education
Officials from the Hebei Province government
Officials from “Hanban,” the Office of Chinese Language Council International
 
Media covering the event in Beijing should be in place no later than 9:30 a.m. (local). Please contact the University Relations Office to confirm attendance at the event at 334-670-3196 or via email to clusk@troy.edu.
 
Note to Alabama media: University Relations will move a story, still and video images as soon as they become available.  Beijing is about 13 hours ahead of CDT, so materials should be available on Oct. 11 for local use. The University Relations Office will update you on details as we get closer to the event.
 

About the Confucius Institute at Troy University

•  The purpose of the Confucius Institute is to promote understanding of Chinese language and culture in the communities served by the University.
•  The Confucius Institute at Troy University will provide opportunities for cultural exchange and collaboration between the United States and China through courses, conferences, travel and cultural events.
•  The Confucius Institute at Troy University focuses on three primary areas: culture and the arts, language, and ethics and values.
 
•  The Confucius Institute at Troy University is the first such institute in the state of Alabama.