New Institute will Expand Study of Chinese Language, Culture, and Society at Penn State University Park, Pa.—China has emerged as one of the top economic and political powers in the 21st century, becoming a critical area of opportunity for U.S. students seeking global careers. Penn State students will have an opportunity to substantially broaden their learning and knowledge of traditional and contemporary Chinese language, culture, history, and society with the establishment of a Confucius Institute at Penn State. The Office of Chinese Languages Council International, known as the Hanban, has awarded a $1 million grant to create a new Confucius Institute at Penn State. Penn State’s Confucius Institute will be co-directed by two leading faculty: Dr. Denis Simon, a top specialist on the study of innovation in China, and Dr. Eric Hayot, a specialist on comparative East/West literature and director of the Asian Studies Program in Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts. An advisory board will comprise faculty from different departments across the University and from Dalian University of Technology, the partner university in China. http://www.la.psu.edu/cla-news/archives/newsarchive/confucius.shtml
Alumni Couple Gives $1 Million to Support Liberal Arts Initiatives Penn State alumni Linda and Jonathan Strumpf have given $1 million to support initiatives in the College of the Liberal Arts. The gift will endow an early career faculty professorship in economics; graduate student scholarships in the Department of Psychology's Child Study Center; and their third Trustee Scholarship for undergraduates who have financial need. Complete Story