The Chinese Vice Minister of Ministry of Education, Ms. Wu Qidi, and her delegates got a warm welcome this week at BYU-Hawaii—particularly from one Chinese student.
"When I saw her, she was very interested in me. She really cares about Chinese students who study here," said Minzhi Wei, a junior majoring in arts. "We talked a lot about our lives and the culture of Hawaii."
Ms. Wu, who is in charge of China's higher education, made a final stop in Hawaii on a tour of much of the United States, said Keith Roberts, BYU-Hawaii's vice president for academics. Roberts and members of the BYU-Hawaii ohana, including Dr. Peter Chan from the School of Education, met with the Chinese official in the McKay Foyer for a meeting lasting under 30 minutes. Roberts presented Ms. Wu with gifts and the two discussed the founding of the university. Roberts said the two also talked about China's view of BYU-Hawaii as an institution of higher learning.
"She assured me that we have a recognizable name and that we are well-known in China," he stated. "She was impressed with our faculty [and that] we have a visiting scholar from China." That reputation directly benefits students and graduates from BYU-Hawaii by giving credibility, Roberts said.
After visiting the campus, Ms. Wu and the others, including Roberts, Chan, and Minzhi made their way to the Polynesian Cultural Center for dinner. Ms. Wu and her company attended the center's famous night show, which pleased the Chinese visitors, Roberts said. "They were delighted. It left a good impression."
The Vice Minister's visit to BYU-Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center was relatively short, but, at least for one student, the impact will likely last much longer.
"She told me, 'You're here at BYU-Hawaii, that's very, very good. It gives you an opportunity to study hard,'" Minzhi said. "I really enjoyed our talk."
Dr. Keith Roberts presents gifts to Ms. Wu.
Student Minzhi enjoyed visiting with Ms. Wu.