Four delegates from Zhaoquing University in Zhaoguing, China were welcomed to the Cambridge and Coon Rapids Campuses of Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC) on Dec. 7 - 9. The visit was an effort to strengthen the educational exchange and cooperation between the two institutions.

"This visit by our Chinese colleagues was important because it solidified the commitment by Anoka-Ramsey Community College and Zhaoguing University to foster the exchange program and continue to send faculty and students to each other’s college,” says Luanne Kane, Dean of Educational Services. “The importance of China as a world leader continues to grow and this relationship allows our students a first-hand connection to this important country."

Officials from Zhaoquing University, Anoka-Ramsey Community College and the City of Coon Rapids met at City Hall to discuss a renewed relationship between the city of Zhaoquing and Coon Rapids.

During the three-day stay, delegates had the opportunity to meet ARCC students, staff and faculty; officials from the City of Coon Rapids; and business executives from the Cambridge area. The delegates extended the opportunity to visit China to every group they met.

In addition, officials from both colleges renewed the sister relationship by signing an Academic Memorandum Agreement. This agreement includes short-term study opportunities for student to earn credits at the sister institutions, and teaching opportunities for faculty.

Dr. Patrick M. Johns, President of ARCC (front left) and Zeng Zheng, Vice President of Zhaoquing University present the Academic Memorandum Agreement designed to renew the relationship between their two institutions. Other officials present for the signing ceremony included (back, from left) Susan Tarnowski, ARCC Vice President of Educational Services; Luanne Kane, ARCC Dean of Educational Services; Murong Jumin, Zhaoquing Director of Student Affairs; Tan Guanzhong, Zhaoquing Director of Personnel; and Xu Zhen Hui, Zhaoquing Director of Foreign Affairs.

The sister relationship between Zhaoquing University and Anoka-Ramsey Community College began in 1994 with the intent to offer students, faculty and staff the opportunity for new cultural perspectives and a lively exchange of American and Chinese customs, lifestyles, and traditions.

Since its establishment, ARCC has sent five of its faculty to teach and nearly 40 students to study at the Chinese University. Zhaoquing University has sent six faculty members to teach at ARCC and Yuping Zeng is currently teaching Chinese at the Coon Rapids Campus. In addition, a group from the City of Coon Rapids and ARCC staff traveled to Zhaoqing, China in 2001, and developed a sister relationship between the two cities.

For more information about the ARCC and Zhaoquing University exchange program, contact Luanne Kane at 763.433.1297 or email.