On January 20, Dr. Isiaah Crawford, President of the University of Puget Sound (UPS), led a three-member delegation on an official visit to Hwa Nan Women’s College. This visit marked the 30th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Fuzhou and Tacoma, USA, a milestone that also reflects the three-decade-long friendship between Hwa Nan and UPS.

Exploring Hwa Nan’s Rich History and Cultural Heritage

In the morning, the delegation, accompanied by former Hwa Nan President Lin Benchun, Wu Yuanyuan, Head of the Business English Program, and staff from the Foreign Affairs Office, toured significant historical sites, including:

• The original campus of Private Hwa Nan Women’s Liberal Arts and Science College

• The Yantaishan Campus

• The Cultural Corridor in the Expert Building

These visits provided insight into Fuzhou’s cultural heritage and the contributions of foreign scholars to Hwa Nan’s re-establishment.

Deepening Institutional Collaboration and Student Exchange

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Qishan Campus, where they were warmly welcomed by Chairman Yu Rongmin, President Ren Jianhong, and Vice President Huang Leijing. They were given a comprehensive overview of:

• Hwa Nan’s educational history

• Its achievements in women’s education

• The institution’s longstanding international collaborations

The delegation expressed high admiration for Hwa Nan’s contributions to women’s education in China, particularly recognizing the resilience and patriotism of Hwa Nan faculty and students during the War of Resistance Against Japan.

Additionally, the UPS delegation was impressed by student presentations on Chinese culture and history, delivered in fluent English, and commended Hwa Nan’s high-quality English education and teaching standards.

Expanding Future Cooperation and Exchange Programs

During a productive meeting, both institutions engaged in in-depth discussions on strengthening their academic collaboration. Key topics included:

• Sending outstanding UPS graduates to teach at Hwa Nan

• Faculty and student exchange programs

• The expansion of the “Asian Scholars” program

• Mutual recognition of academic credits

• The feasibility of “3+1” and “3+1+1” articulation programs, enabling students to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees through international pathways

Both sides expressed a strong desire to formalize and enhance cooperation by renewing the partnership agreement.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Global Partnerships

As the Chinese saying goes, “Those who share the same aspirations will never be deterred by mountains and seas.”

Moving forward, Hwa Nan Women’s College aims to further strengthen ties with the University of Puget Sound, Sacred Hearts Academy in Hawaii, and other international partner institutions. By expanding cooperation areas and enhancing international exchange programs, Hwa Nan will continue to promote global education and enrich its open and dynamic academic environment.