January 31, 2008
WSU and Chinese officials launch the Wayne State University Confucius Institute
Wayne State University is teaming with Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, to create the Confucius Institute, a non-profit program within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The institute is designed to promote the teaching and understanding of Chinese language and culture and support Chinese language education in metro Detroit.
Wayne State University’s Confucius Institute, established with the authorization of the Office of Chinese Language International (Hanban), is the second Confucius Institute in Michigan, one of 26 in the United States and one of more than 100 worldwide. Its overall purpose is to provide WSU students, faculty and residents and businesses of the metro Detroit community with multiple resources, quality Chinese learning materials, and programs related to Chinese language and culture.
Planning for the institute began in 2006 when Wayne State University Irvin D. President Reid led a delegation of Wayne State faculty and officials to Shanghai and Beijing to meet with Chinese university and government officials.
“Never before has a background in Chinese culture been more essential,” said Wayne State University President Irvin D. Reid. “As economic and social ties between the US and China increase, understanding Chinese language and culture becomes more and more vital to commerce, education, even tourism. The Confucius Institute strengthens Wayne State University’s commitment to diversity in higher education while helping prepare our students for careers in the global business environment.”
The institute plans include providing a variety of educational outlets to WSU students such as a Chinese library, K-12 certification and even a “Confucius Café” where students can practice Chinese with native speakers and discuss China-related topics over refreshments.
“As China becomes the world’s fastest growing economy, the demand for teachers certified in the Chinese language becomes more important,” said Robert Thomas, dean of WSU’s College of Liberals Arts and Sciences. “Wayne State University will now be able to train a whole new generation of Chinese teachers at the primary, secondary and college level.”
The institute’s grand opening celebration was held today featuring special guests and speakers followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Confucius Institute’s offices are located at 5057 Woodward on the 11th floor.
