Trip to China - President's Delegation

Video Highlights

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Click for video highlights of the visit to YNRTVU.
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Extended Photo Gallery

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Here is the photo record of the President's delegation to China.
Photos copyright Lisa Ortiz unless otherwise noted.

Day 9 – Tuesday, May 22, 2007

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After a very long day of official functions, the delegation earned a day of recharging. Our
Cheng Du hosts treated us to a very special visit to China’s Giant Panda Research and Breeding Base. The breeding base houses up to 50 of these gentle creatures. The adults spend 16 hours eating and the rest of their day is napping. The juvenile pandas have an additional responsibility; they play. Life is rough for a giant panda in China…

After leaving the panda base, we traveled to DuJiang, a nearby city. The DuJiang irrigation
system is a 2000-year old wondrous site, which is very popular with local tourists. The national park includes many pagoda temples and shopping opportunities.

Cheng Du’s Giant Panda Research and Breeding Base

Giant pandas doing what they enjoy most, eating and lounging

Giant pandas doing what they enjoy most, eating and lounging

Wrestling match between 3 baby pandas

An unexpected performance at lunch

A performer hams it up at a tobacco convention held at the restaurant
we dined at

The DuJiang irrigation system and national park

The DuJiang irrigation system and national park

The DuJiang irrigation system and national park

rs. Li and Hetzel light ceremonial incense at the DuJiang temple
Photos by Lisa Ortiz

Day 8 – Monday, May 21, 2007

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Monday’s Metro State delegate activities began with a meeting in a formal, opulent receiving room with Sichuan University (SCU) Vice President, Sun Weiguo, and culminated at a banquet hosted by the Cheng Du Educational Bureau, where an international memorandum of agreement (IMOA) was formalized with Metro State. This IMOA opens doors of opportunity for Metro State to pursue exchanges for faculty, staff and students with academic institutions in Cheng Du, including SCU and Cheng Du Metropolitan University.

Following the meeting with Weiguo, the delegation visited with leaders of SCU’s College of International Studies (CIS) and Intensive Language Training Center (ILTC): Xia Liping, Dean; Song Shaofeng, General Branch Secretary; and Professor Deng, Associate Director/Vice Dean. The ILAC is one of China’s 11 language-training centers under the Ministry of Education. The Center works with students, businessmen and women, state officials and others to master language skills prior trips abroad. The CIS/ILTC offers language training in English, Japanese, German, Russian, French, Korean, Spanish and Thai.

Monday afternoon, delegates traveled to the Cheng Du Educational Bureau and to Cheng Du Metropolitan University (CMU). At CMU, they toured the Fine Arts Center, and observed students involved in sculpture and animation projects.

By Dr. Betsy Zeller

Dr. Jordan receives a special banner from Sichuan University’s Vice
President, Sun Weiguo

Dr. Jordan is warmly welcomed by the Intensive Language Training Center’s
Dean, Song

Cheng Du Metropolitan University

Jinli Street, a very opulent and traditional shopping and dining area

Jinli Street, includes a Western specialty, Starbucks Coffee

-Photos by Lisa Ortiz

Day 6 – Saturday, May 19, 2007

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YNRTV University treated the delegation to a tour of the Stone Forest (Shilin). The drive to and from the world-famous landmark was very illuminating. We passed through rural farm communities and saw traditional tiered planting fields, rice paddies, and water buffalo. After staying in a modern city of almost 5 million people for several days, it was a stark contrast to see so much open-space. China is as multifaceted as a precision-cut diamond, with economic extremes much wider than the United States. In some regions of the country, time appears to have stood still for generations.

After traveling about 1.5 hours, we eagerly arrived. The Stone Forest is known to the locals as the “First Wonder of the World” and covers a vast 96,000 square acres. The limestone rock formations, with surrounding lakes, are unquestionably breathtaking.

The Yunnan Province Stone Forest

The Yunnan Province Stone Forest

The Yunnan Province Stone Forest

The Yunnan Province Stone Forest

The entire delegation is awed by the beauty of the Stone Forest

Lisa Ortiz dons a traditional costume
of the Yunnan nationality group,
Lunan Li

Dr. Rudy Garcia befriends our tour guide
-photos by Lisa Ortiz

Day 5 – Friday, May 18, 2007

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For the first time in China’s history, Kunming is proudly hosting the 7th China National Disabled Person’s Sports Meeting at the newly-built New Asia Stadium. The delegation was honored with a tour of the facility, as well as watched a few of the events. It was amazing to be included in China’s equivalent of the Special Olympics.

After the Disabled Person’s Sports Meeting, we met with Kunming’s Deputy Mayor, the distinguished Mrs. Xiao Shan Liao. We presented her with a framed photo and letter from Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and Sister Cities International, reaffirming and strengthening the “sister city” relationship between Denver and Kunming. After the formal presentation with the Deputy Mayor, the delegation visited the Yuan Xiao Cen Art Museum, featuring paintings and bronze sculptures of world-renown Chinese artist Shu Yuan Yi. Also on the grounds of the art museum was a small tea museum featuring a 200 year old, highly prized, local specialty tea. High quality tea is a status symbol in China, much like gourmet food in the United States. The delegation is being introduced to the nuances between jasmine, green, black, and the many local variety of teas.

The Mayor’s office graciously provided us with a driver and guide, who drove us through
Kunming for a very real view of rural China on Kunming’s outskirts. Rather than the expected rice paddies, we saw local farmers growing Chinese chives, a regional specialty. It was fascinating to see the stark contrast between life in a city of 6 million people versus a small farming village.

Sprinter runners participating in the 7th
China National Disabled Person’s Sports Meeting

A broad jumper building momentum before his jump

President Jordan receiving a gift for Mayor
Hickenlooper from Deputy Mayor Liao

President Jordan presenting the framed letter
and photo from Mayor Hickenlooper and Sister
Cities International to Deputy Mayor Liao

A famous bronze statue by Chinese artist, Shu Yuan Yi

Many varieties of locally grown tea, displayed in traditionally packaged
wheels hanging above bundles of tea wheels recovered from Tibet

A bamboo and thatch doorway in a garden paradise
-photos by Lisa Ortiz

Day 4 – Thursday, May 17, 2007

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In the same spirit of friendship, goodwill and cooperation that established the Kunming-Denver Sister City relationship in 1985, Dr. Xu Bin, President of Yunnan Radio and Television University (YNRTVU), located in Kunming, China, and Dr. Stephen Jordan, President of Metro State, signed an agreement today to become sister schools. This partnership will open many collaborations, including faculty exchanges, student study abroad opportunities, cooperative academic projects, joint research opportunities, and grants.

Several months ago, YNRTVU also asked Metro State to submit a grant application with them to the Office of Chinese Language Council in Beijing for $150,000 in seed money to start a Confucius Institute (CI). If the institutions are successful, this award will fund a CI center on campus. The CI will offer credit and non-credit courses in Chinese, including Chinese language instruction and certification to teachers, Chinese cultural events to the campus and community, and will advance academic research.

When the delegation arrived at the 15-story YNRTVU, we toured the facility, which included a very-impressive telecommunication infrastructure. Professors teach in one classroom, while two other locations receive a high-quality video signal, along with multimedia elements. The three simultaneous classrooms can interact with the Professor and each other in real time.

Following the signing ceremony, Dr. Jordan thanked the YNRTVU hosts for being so gracious, and indicated that he looked forward to “…a long, happy, collaborative, and utually-beneficial relationship.” Then the celebration began, Kunming style.

The YNRTVU proudly hosted a spectacular banquet for the delegation, including many local
specialty dishes and entertainers. To the delight of our hosts, the delegation also participated in the singing, dancing, and traditional customs.
-Lisa Ortiz

The Yunnan Radio and Television University

An electronic welcoming sign at the university

YNRTVU multimedia professor, Mr. Gao,
demonstrates how he uses advanced technology
to teach in 3 locations simultaneously

Two university presidents exchange gifts to
honor the collaboration of schools.
Pictured are Dr. Xu Bin (L) and Dr. Stephen Jordan (R)

The official signing ceremony between the two universities

Dr. Donald Chang is warmly welcomed by
traditionally costumed greeters

The welcoming committee at the formal banquet
honoring the delegation

Local performers reinact folk tales through song
and dance, entertaining all
-photos by Lisa Ortiz

Day 3 – Wednesday, May 16, 2007

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Wednesday began with a 5:30 hotel check out time and rush to Beijing International Airport for the flight to Kunming, Yunnan Province. The mere three-hour flight was a piece of cake, although a Starbucks would have been a very welcomed site. Our gracious hosts, officials from the Yunnan Radio and Television University, arranged for airport pickup and tour guides for the day.

We were welcomed with fresh jasmine leis, which had an intoxicating scent and the sight of us drew stares from the locals. Despite the rain, Kunming is a stunning city. Very lush tropical flowers line the streets. With a slightly higher elevation and nestled in a mountainous region, Kunming is very similar to Denver. The delegates had the remainder of the day to rest, regroup, and prepare for the many official proceedings at the University.
-Lisa Ortiz

A rainy view of Kunming
-photo by Lisa Ortiz

The delegates receive a fragrant welcome
to Kunming. Dr. “Cookie” Hetzel (L) and Dr. Rudy Garcia (R).
-photo by Lisa Ortiz

Ruth (L) and President Stephen Jordan (R)
-photo by Lisa Ortiz

Day 2 – Tuesday, May 15, 2007

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The 12-hour flight to Beijing, P.R.C. was especially grueling, as any international traveler understands. There are no words that can describe the fatigue involved with extremely cramped physical space, sometimes turbulent motion, and very limited sleep.

Finally, the delegation reached terra firma on the other side of the planet. The plane followed the sun, so it never did get dark. We landed in Beijing Tuesday evening and were kindly escorted to our hotel for a few hours of rest before heading to our next destination, Kunming, Yunnan Province. The delegation happily shared the first Chinese meal together in the hotel restaurant, with Chinese delicacies in abundance.
-Lisa Ortiz

A local musician played an unknown instrument
for us on the tarmac of the Beijing Intl. Airport
-photo by Lisa Ortiz

The grand lobby of the Wangfujing Hotel, Beijing
-photo by Lisa Ortiz

The delegation’s first meal together in Beijing, China
-photo by Lisa Ortiz

Day 1 – Monday, May 14, 2007

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Still riding the wave of momentum from the successful graduation commencement ceremony, Metro's delegation began the quest to develop academic partnerships in China. The group commenced with eagerness and excited to begin this adventure. The journey began at Denver International Airport. A brief layover in San Francisco led to a 12-hour flight to Beijing on Air China.
-Lisa Ortiz

Map of China

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Where will the president's delegation be going? Beijing, Kunming, Chengdu, and more. Click for more detail from Google Maps, be sure to zoom in using the 'satellite' view...>

President's delegation itinerary

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May 14, Monday
Leave DIA
Arrive San Francisco
Leave San Francisco

May 15, Tuesday
Arrive Beijing

May 16, Wednesday
Leave Beijing
Arrive Kunming

May 17, Thursday
Yunnan Radio and Television University

May 18, Friday
Represent Mayor Hickenlooper at the China National Disabled Person's Sports Meeting

May 19, Saturday
Tour Kunming Stone Forest (compliments YNRTVU), Jiu Ziang caverns

May 20, Sunday
Leave Kunming
Arrive Chengdu
Banquet Sichuan University Officials

May 21, Monday
Various meetings, presentations, visit Chengdu City College

May 22, Tuesday
Tour of Qingcheng Mountain and 2,000 year-old Dujiang Irrigation System compliments of SU

May 23, Wednesday
Leave Chengdu
Arrive Beijing

May 24, Thursday
All day in Beijing

May 25, Friday
Leave Bejing
Arrive San Francisco
Leave San Francisco
Arrive Denver

Delegates

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Dr. Stephen Jordan, President

Mrs. Ruth Jordan

Dr. Betsy Zeller, Globalization Director

Dr. Donald Chang, Associate Professor of Marketing

Dr. LiYing Li, Criminal Justice and Criminology Chair

Lisa Ortiz, Assistant Professor of Technical Communications and Media Production

Not pictured: Dr. Rodolfo Garcia, Modern Languages Chair, Dr. Marilyn Hetzel, Communication Arts and Sciences Chair.