Arcadia hosted a delegation from Jiangsu University, China on Dec. 18 to extend a longstanding partnership agreement between both institutions.

Signed by Professor Li Hongbo, chair of Jiangsu University, and Jeff Rutenbeck, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, the memorandum of understanding renewal supports the continuation of the Mathematics and Applied Mathematics Undergraduate Joint Education program. Facilitated by Dr. Xizhong Zheng, professor of Mathematics, the Jiangsu delegation spent time with faculty in Computer Science and Mathematics, toured the campus, and interacted with current students and Jiangsu Program alumni. 

The alumni who participated, some of whom flew in from around the country, were glad to reconnect with faculty and staff who supported them during their time at Arcadia. Tran Chau, Jiangsu program coordinator, has worked with students in the program for many years and commented on what a treat it was to catch up in person and hear about what the alumni are doing now.

Also in attendance for the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony were Dean Alex Otieno, Dr. Ned Wolff, department chair of Computer Science and Mathematics, Dr. Weihong Ni, associate professor of Mathematics, Dr. Alison LaLond Wyant, executive director of the Division of Civic and Global Engagement, and Scott Terry, director of Global Engagement. 

The collaboration between Arcadia and Jiangsu traces its beginnings back to the spring of 2011 when Dr. Zheng suggested the idea for a partnership. The program started with a single Jiangsu student coming to Arcadia in 2013 and soon grew to 29 students coming in 2019. Recently, Arcadia welcomed 17 students from Jiangsu in 2024. 

Jiangsu students have had a significant impact on the Arcadia community, especially in the Actuarial Science program. They have created clubs, worked to strengthen cultural awareness, and infused cultural perspectives into our students, faculty, and staff. 

“This program brings students ready to contribute academically and socially to our campus community. They are enthusiastic about sharing their culture with their classmates and peers. It’s a pleasure to watch this program continue to flourish year after year” said Jessica Doyle, international student specialist and study abroad advisor.

Graduates of the Jiangsu program are regularly accepted to top schools for master’s work. Examples include Columbia University; Johns Hopkins University; University of California, Berkeley; University of Pennsylvania; and Brown University. The program has a particularly strong admission record with Columbia University (ranked No. 3 for the best Master’s in Actuarial Science worldwide).