[74] Chinese Delegation at MTSU For Centennial Birthday Bash

FOR RELEASE: Sept. 9, 2011
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Dr. Guanping Zheng, 615-494-8696

CHINESE DELEGATION AT MTSU FOR CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY BASH
Guests from People’s Republic Taking in Barbecue, Tailgating, Football Fun

MURFREESBORO—Among the revelers experiencing Middle Tennessee State University’s Centennial Gala this weekend are 19 delegates from four Chinese universities with which MTSU enjoys academic partnerships.

The delegation is on campus at the special invitation of President Sidney A. McPhee to celebrate MTSU’s 100th birthday. Their itinerary includes a barbecue luncheon with McPhee, as well as tonight’s Centennial Blue Tie Gala at Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro.

“For most of them, it’s going to be a wonderful introduction to collegiate culture, and, in particular, MTSU football culture,” says Dr. David Schmidt, vice provost for international affairs, referring to Saturday night’s home opener between the Blue Raiders and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the usual pre-game tailgating.

The Chinese visitors also are meeting with their respective MTSU counterparts, as well as Chinese students who are attending MTSU or on campus through an exchange program, and touring facilities such as the University Honors College and the Student Health, Recreation and Wellness Center.

“We’re finding many, many more ways we can work together to make these partnerships stronger and find more opportunities for the students and faculty, both in research and in student studies,” says Dr. Guanping Zheng, director of MTSU’s Confucius Institute.

The dignitaries include representatives from Hunan Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Northwest Normal University and China Agricultural University. They arrived Sept. 7-8 and are scheduled to depart Sunday, Sept. 11.

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Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. MTSU is celebrating its 100th anniversary with special events and activities throughout the 2011-12 academic year.