Leaders from Cornell University’s College of Arts & Sciences recently visited China to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Brittany and Adam J. Levinson Program in China and Asia-Pacific Studies. The delegation participated in the Cornell-China Forum held in Shanghai, marking two decades of significant academic engagement and collaboration in the region.
During the visit, the Cornell leaders joined eight Levinson Program students currently studying abroad at Peking University. These students are fulfilling an intensive language requirement while also taking courses focused on contemporary China. In a statement, Patrizia McBride, Senior Associate Dean in Arts & Sciences and Frank H.T. Rhodes Professor of Humane Letters, expressed pride in the program’s resilience, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Levinson Program is a core component of our international engagement with China and the Asia-Pacific, and we’re proud it has weathered the uncertainties and challenges of COVID,” she said. “Student interest has revived beyond our wildest expectations.”
The trip included a variety of events aimed at celebrating the program’s achievements and fostering connections within the academic community. A roundtable discussion featured College leaders, Levinson Program students, alumni, and Adam Levinson, a key supporter of the program and a graduate of the Class of 1992. Additionally, Peter John Loewen, the Harold Tanner Dean of Arts & Sciences, delivered a speech celebrating the program’s two decades of impact as part of the 2025 Cornell-China Forum.
One of the highlights was a panel discussion titled “Building Bridges: The Past and Future of China and Asia-Pacific Studies at Cornell.” This event aimed to reflect on the program’s history and explore future opportunities for collaboration and research.
A significant aspect of the trip was the “Study China in China” conference, co-organized by the Levinson Program and Yenching Academy at Peking University. This conference attracted participation from nearly 20 other China-based programs focused on China studies, further emphasizing the program’s role in enhancing academic cooperation and research.
The Levinson Program has established itself as a vital part of Cornell’s international initiatives, enabling students to immerse themselves in the culture, language, and contemporary issues of China and the Asia-Pacific region. As the program moves into its third decade, it continues to foster valuable educational experiences for students while strengthening ties between Cornell University and key academic institutions in Asia.
