Smith School Graduates Second Beijing Executive MBA Class

Marking another milestone for its expansion in the worlds fastest growing market for business education, the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business held commencement exercises for its second Executive MBA program in Beijing, China on January 22, 2006.

We have done it! exclaimed Dr. Sun Li Zhe, the class representative, as he pounded the podium for emphasis. Sun congratulated his classmates on their accomplishments and extended thanks to the Smith School and its faculty and all spouses, children, families, colleagues, and friends of the students for their support throughout the rigorous program.

The graduating class of 33 students represents a diverse group of executives from multi national companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Intel, Caterpillar, John Deere, Nortel Networks, Nokia, Ericcson, and NEC. Leaders of Chinese government agencies and state-owned enterprises such as China Mobile were also represented in the class.

The Smith School delivers an Executive MBA program in partnership with the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE). The faculty, degree and curriculum are the same as the Smith Executive MBA in College Park, Maryland. Classes are held at UIBEs campus.

A team of Maryland-based Smith leaders and faculty attended the commencement, including Dr. Steven Feld, executive director for executive education; Dr. Anil Gupta, Ralph J. Tyser Professor of Strategy & Organization and chairperson of the management and organization department; Ms. Eileen Spear, senior director for global programs; and Ms. Amanda Stowers, assistant director for executive degree programs.

Representing the University of International Business and Economics were Dr. Lin Guijun, vice president; Dean Zhang Xinmin, dean, School of Business; Madame Jia Liqun, director, international affairs department; Madame An Yuhua, director, finance department; and Professor Liu Baocheng, dean, Sino-France School of Business.

Remarks were given by Dr. Feld and Vice President Lin. In his remarks to the students, Dr. Feld said, In October 2001 we sat in this room with a very similar group of people to discuss creating an Executive MBA program with the Smith School and UIBE. In January 2003 we launched the first Beijing EMBA class, which was the first internationally-based degree program for the Smith School.

We now have international degree programs in nine locations and four continents. In China alone we have two EMBA classes in Beijing who have graduated, an EMBA program in Shanghai and a custom EMBA program for Otis Elevator in Tianjin.

We are now gathered here to honor the students in the second class and to celebrate their completion of two years of very hard work, dedicated study, and a deep commitment to excellence.

Dr. Gupta was the keynote speaker and told the students, We have seen incredible growth in China over the past 30 years and will see an even more rapid rate of growth over the next 30 years. You will be a part of that excitement.

Mr. Kevin Chu, a 1997 Smith alumnus from the College Park MBA program, welcomed the students to the Smith alumni family. Mr. Chu is vice president at ChinaVest.

Also present from the Smith School-UIBE board of advisors was Song Ning, vice president of China General Technology (Group) Holding, Ltd.

The Smith School has established an office in Beijing and its staff coordinated the ceremony. Professor Walter Hutchens, the first Smith faculty member to be resident in China, emceed the event. Logistical support was provided by Ms. Maggie Ma, manager of operations; Mr. Walter Czarnecki, manager for China business development; and Ms. Kelly Liu, program manager; in the Smith China operation.

Following graduation, a reception was held for the graduates and their families at the Beijing American Club.

The Smith School has an agreement with the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), located in Beijing, UIBE to provide its programs in China as approved by the Chinas Ministry of Education and the Degree Granting Committee of the State Council. More information about the Smith Executive MBA with UIBE can be found at www.rhsmith-umd.cn.