In order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hubei Normal University, the Delegation of 41 teachers and students from Ulster University (UU) and St. Kevin's College visited Hubei Normal University (HBNU) and presented their best wishes. President Lei Rujin and Vice President Yu Xiang of HBNU attended the welcome ceremony on October 15. The ceremony was presided over by Jiang Guo, Head of the International Exchange and Cooperation Department.

Vice President Yu Xiang extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation and introduced the development and construction of the university in recent years in terms of teaching, scientific research, key disciplines, and professional characteristics. Prof. Yu Xiang said that the Confucius Institute (CI) for Northern Ireland was co-founded by UU and HBNU in 2011. After years of efforts by both sides, the CI has made outstanding achievements. Various cooperation and exchange activities jointly organized by the two universities have enabled us to know each other better, broadened the international vision of teachers and students from the two universities, as well as upgraded the academic research level of the two universities. Prof. Yu Xiang also mentioned that the Chamber Group from UU would participate in the celebration performance together with the Chinese Orchestra from HBNU. He hoped that this cooperation performance could further promote the exchanges and cooperation between the two universities regarding art, music, sports, as well as other relevant disciplines.

 

Students from Ulster University and St. Kevin's College in turn introduced themselves and shared their experience from the Chinese language and cultural courses. Mr. Hugh Thomas O 'Reilly, President of St Kevin's School and Mayor of Fermanagh Omagh, expressed warm congratulations on the 50th anniversary of HBNU and conveyed sincere thanks on behalf of the delegation to the fabulous reception from HBNU. It is hoped that the two sides will further strengthen cooperation, enhance understanding, and deepen friendship. Prof. Shaun Ryan from UU also showed his gratitude for this China trip and said that he was looking forward to the wonderful joint performance by the two universities at the 50th-anniversary celebration gala.

Subsequently, student representatives from Ulster University and St. Kevin's College delivered their speeches. They all expressed their great interest in Chinese culture and expected to have a deeper understanding of China through this trip. At the end of the ceremony, the two sides presented souvenirs to each other, and a wonderful group photo was taken to record this fantastic moment.