On the morning of September 16, ZJUI organized faculty members and students to attend the speech by Mr. Bruce Rauner, Governor of Illinois, on ZJU Zijingang Campus. During his speech, Governor Rauner focused on the profound changes resulting from globalization, and elaborated on the feasibility of cooperation between Zhejiang Province and the State of Illinois. Particularly in the area of education, both sides have a broad base and huge potential for cooperation. Governor Rauner spoke highly of the collaboration model between ZJU and UIUC to build a joint institute, and expressed his hope that the two sides would further strengthen their collaboration to develop ZJUI into an example of cooperation between Zhejiang and Illinois and a role model for Sino-US educational cooperation. He also encouraged more students to seek development in Illinois to further the win-win cooperation between Zhejiang and Illinois in education, science and technology.

Governor Rauner also responded to the questions raised by the audience, and stated that more attention would be given to the educational cooperation between Zhejiang and Illinois, and that he would strive for more policy support for Chinese students studying in the US, to further increase the student exchanges between the two sides and expand the space for cooperation.

Prior to the speech, ZJU Party Secretary Zou Xiaodong, Executive Vice Dean of International Campus He Lianzhen, and Director of Office of International Relations Li Min had a meeting with Governor Rauner and his delegation. Vice Dean of International Campus K. C. Ting, ZJUI Dean Li Erping, ZJUI Executive Dean Philip Krein, UIUC delegation, ZJUI’s new faculty members and ZJUI professors from ZJU were also attended the speech.