The International Scholar Research Presentation and Reception was held Monday afternoon to honor international scholars both from the University and institutions of higher education around the globe. The event showcased speeches by University administrators and allowed the University community to mingle with scholars from around the world and learn about their research findings.
The event, hosted by the Office of International Programs, was an opportunity for international scholars to formally present their research efforts, receive recognition and collaborate with University faculty. The celebration took place in the Erb Memorial Union Gumwood Room, where the scholars displayed posters describing their research. Topics varied from the detection of Internet worms to analysis of suicide attacks to the comparison of the way Americans and Chinese think.
Each year, 200-300 visiting scholars from colleges around the world visit campus to conduct research. Many of them attend the presentation and reception along with several scholars from the College of Arts & Sciences.
University President Dave Frohnmayer welcomed international scholars, community members and University faculty and staff to the reception. Other speakers included Chunsheng Zhang, vice provost for International Affairs & Outreach, and Priscilla Southwell, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
“This is about the exchange of ideas and new knowledge from across the globe,” said Frohnmayer. “At UO, we look around the world, not inward.”
Following the speakers, University faculty and staff walked around the room, pausing to read and learn about the scholars’ research projects. One project in particular studied whether Americans and Chinese think in different ways. Yiyuan Tang from Dalian University of Technology in China displayed his research on this topic at the reception. He proudly answered questions about his findings, which show how each cultural group uses their mind to arrive at factual answers.
“There are remarkable differences between the two language groups,” said Tang.
The University of Oregon is one of the founders of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, a group of 37 leading research universities which contribute to the world of new technology. APRU aims to foster education and research, which contributes to the economic, scientific and cultural advancement in the Pacific Rim, Frohnmayer said. Frohnmayer said he takes pride in the international influence on campus that has been strengthened by the group’s presence.
“From the beginning, University has been an international university,” says Frohnmayer. We had our first international student here 131 years ago. I welcome scholars to campus and thank them for their contributions of new knowledge.”
The success of the international scholars program was shown in 2003 when the advocacy group the American Council on Education named the University one of the nation’s two exemplary international-minded universities. Frohnmayer said he encourages undergraduates to get involved by speaking with their professors, starting research projects and visiting the Office of International Programs.
His advice to those who attended the reception was to “rub shoulders, rub minds, share ideas and leave with the knowledge that you have gained.”