‘Duke Kunshan University exists to produce students with both the capability and the moral commitment to serve society for the rest of their lives. Therefore, Duke Kunshan aims to win the society’s support through its service to the society.’ This is how Chancellor Liu Jingnan made the case for philanthropic support at Duke Kunshan University Education Development Foundation Board’s Inaugural meeting on the university’s campus October 16, 2015. The 18 Board members present agreed with the sentiment and enhanced their commitment to help garner support from different segments of Chinese society.
Jingnan Liu
Denis Simon
Along with Chancellor Liu, Gao Xiqing is the honorary co-chair of the Foundation Board; Chauncey Shey is the vice chair. In addition to the Board members from Duke Kunshan or one of its three partners, Duke, Wuhan and Kunshan, there are seven external members including Chauncey Shey, Angela Lu, Jianli Wang, Catherine Lu, Patrick Cai, He Daofeng, and Chen Jingfeng. Wang Xingzui from China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation attended as a guest speaker. Denis Simon, executive vice chancellor of Duke Kunshan University, is the Foundation’s executive vice chairman, and Cheng Feng, director of development, is the secretary general.
Chauncey Shey
Drawing upon their years of successful business and investment experience, board members took a critical approach to the proposed strategy and tactics for raising funds. Noting Duke Kunshan’s fundraising success to date, they agreed that companies and individuals have much to gain from affiliating with Duke Kunshan University and the wider Duke network through philanthropy. For some, supporting Duke Kunshan can be a way to improve US-China relations, transform China’s higher education system or solve serious problems in health care and the environment. But other people need to be convinced of these connections. Board members noted that when people have an experience with Duke Kunshan and the wider Duke network’through an international conference, a short educational program or a student encounter’the full potential comes alive for them.
Board members pointed out that like the university’s curriculum itself, the Duke Kunshan University Foundation needs to blend the best of American and Chinese approaches. While the number of foundations in China is growing and the role of philanthropy is expanding, it is important also to consider innovative approaches that draw upon the spirit of entrepreneurship in today’s China.
Group Photo of Foundation Board Members, Students and Staff
