The 2019-2020 class of eight China Champions graduated on May 14, 2020 after spending more than six months with the University of Minnesota. The athlete-scholars enrolled in selective courses in the School of Kinesiology. After being introduced to American collegiate sports, they became enthusiastic Gophers fans and enjoyed much that the Twin Cities has to offer. The China Champions will continue taking classes this summer, before returning to complete their graduate degrees at Beijing Sport University.
Jill Griffiths, director of the China Champions Program (CCP), gave an introductory speech regarding the partnership with Beijing Sport University. “The China Champions Program provides a unique opportunity to bring cultures together and have a shared experience. The CCP supports the University’s international goals: enhancing knowledge and cultural awareness, connecting individuals and organizations, and strengthening our role in a global society.”
President Joan Gabel said to Griffiths, “I would be most grateful if you could extend my sincerest greetings and congratulations to these eight accomplished students and wish them the best in all of their next steps.”
College of Education & Human Development (CEHD) Dean Quam gave the keynote speech and emphasized the impact China Champion athletes had and says, “Can one person make a difference? Clearly each one of you has had a large footprint and made a difference in our lives.”
Program leaders such as Beth Lewis, PhD, School of Kinesiology professor and director, and Meredith McQuaid, associate vice president and dean of the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance, also congratulated the China Champions.
Read more about this year’s China Champions cohort here. Watch the full graduation ceremony recording here (password: 7H^39U5c).
