Leaders from Cornell University’s College of Arts & Sciences recently journeyed to China to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Brittany and Adam J. Levinson Program in China and Asia-Pacific Studies. The delegation participated in the Cornell-China Forum held in Shanghai, where they engaged with a range of academic and cultural activities.
During the visit, the Cornell representatives were joined by eight Levinson Program students who are currently studying abroad at Peking University. These students are fulfilling an intensive language requirement while also taking courses focused on contemporary China.
The trip featured a roundtable discussion that brought together College leaders, Levinson Program students, alumni, and Adam Levinson, a significant supporter of the program and a Cornell alumnus from the class of 1992. Patrizia McBride, Senior Associate Dean in the College of Arts & Sciences, emphasized the program’s resilience during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She stated, “The Levinson Program is a core component of our international engagement with China and the Asia-Pacific, and we’re proud it has weathered the uncertainties and challenges of COVID. Student interest has revived beyond our wildest expectations.”
Key Events Highlighting Academic Collaboration
The delegation’s itinerary included a speech by Peter John Loewen, the Harold Tanner Dean of Arts & Sciences, who celebrated the program’s two decades of impact at the 2025 Cornell-China Forum. The forum featured a panel discussion titled “Building Bridges: The Past and Future of China and Asia-Pacific Studies at Cornell.” This event allowed participants to reflect on the evolution of the program and its contributions to understanding the complexities of the region.
Additionally, the Levinson Program co-hosted the “Study China in China” conference in collaboration with the Yenching Academy at Peking University. This gathering involved nearly 20 other China-focused academic programs, fostering dialogue and collaboration among institutions dedicated to China studies.
The anniversary celebrations not only marked a significant milestone for the Levinson Program but also highlighted Cornell’s commitment to enhancing international education and understanding of the Asia-Pacific region. As the program moves forward, it continues to attract a diverse group of students eager to explore the dynamic cultural and political landscape of China.
For more information on the Levinson Program and its initiatives, visit the College of Arts & Sciences website.
