Parents were welcomed to campus to see for themselves the wide range of learning, research and life opportunities at Duke Kunshan University.
The Family Weekend on Nov. 3-4 offered insight into DKU’s innovative educational model as well as its broader culture.
The parents of students past and present enjoyed research poster displays, arts performances and watching competitive sport over the two days.
Many were seeing the campus for the first time since its Phase 2 expansion, which dramatically upscaled the university’s physical presence.
Welcoming parents, Chancellor of Duke Kunshan Dr. Yaolin Liu laid out the key pillars of the DKU model: World-class faculty nurturing top talent supported by educational resources and facilities of the highest standard.
“Duke Kunshan University will continue on its path to an even brighter future, adhering to its values of internationalization, multiculturalism and innovative thinking, as it prepares students to become future leaders and global citizens,” Liu added.
Dr. Mary Frances Luce, the interim executive vice chancellor of DKU, told parents, “We are all here to support students at DKU in finding their own way to ensure that each student will develop intellectually, personally and morally.
“At DKU, we truly believe that lasting academic and career success, as well as happiness, follows from each person finding his or her very unique skills and voice.”
After receiving a general overview of DKU and what it does, parents attended various breakout sessions hosted by offices covering areas such as student affairs, career services, and development and alumni relations.
They were given tours of campus and could also join photography and fragrance-making workshops.
A poster session for summer research projects was held in the Academic Building before students staged a talent show themed “Rhythms Across Cultures” in the Community Center theater.
Parents also enjoyed the spectacle of varsity sport, with DKU’s football and basketball teams in action against the University of Nottingham Ningbo.
