Qiqihar Site of First Keuka College Alumni Gathering in China

No invitations were sent, it wasn’t planned months in advance, and it wasn’t held in the United States.

But make no mistake. This was a Keuka College alumni gathering; the first event of its kind held in China.

Some 25 Keuka graduates, who earned their organizational management degrees at Qiqihar University, gathered for dinner and received their diplomas.

“Most of the graduates who attended the dinner were Qiqihar natives and returned home to celebrate the Chinese New Year with their families,” said Gary Smith, associate dean in the Center for Professional Studies and International Programs and associate professor of management.

One of the graduates, Robert Song, organized the event. He is applying for admission to Keuka’s master’s degree in management program.

Since none of the graduates who attended the dinner had received their diplomas, the alumni gathering also featured an impromptu conferral of degrees ceremony.

“These graduates were among those who completed their degree requirements in June, so they were considered part of the College’s December graduating class,” explained Smith. “The College prints diplomas twice each year: in May for the annual commencement and in December for the mid-year conferral of degrees. The diplomas for the Chinese graduates were mailed to Qiqihar University.”

Song asked Smith, who was visiting family in Qiqihar, to present the diplomas to those attending the alumni gathering. Assisting Smith was his wife, Yang, a professor at the University. 

Smith also had the opportunity to conduct a career survey, and what he discovered should make all members of the Keuka family proud.

“These graduates are working throughout China and some are attending graduate school,” said Smith. “They told me the Keuka degree did make a difference and made them much more competitive in the job search They also feel a part of the Keuka College family.”