BiMBA Holds the Opening Ceremony of MSGF Degree Program
Apr 18-2013
On June 9.2010, the opening ceremony for MSGF (master degree of science in global finance), a second degree co-established by BiMBA (Beijing International MBA at Peking University), Fordham University of the U.S., and the NASDAQ OMX, was successfully held in Langrun Garden, National School of Development of Peking University. Leaders and guests from the three institutions were present at this ceremony and jointly witnessed this great moment in the history of Chinese MBA education development.
The ceremony was hosted by Dr.Yang Zhuang, Co-Dean of BiMBA, who introduced and extended warm welcome to the attending guests. He said that the start-up of MSGF would be a landmark event for students at BiMBA, the National School of Development, the Fordham University and NASDAQ OMX. Dr.Yang wished a great success of the ceremony at the end of his speech.
Stephen Freedman, Senior Vice President, Chief Academic Officer of Fordham University, was invited to give his speech next. He stated that the co-operation between Fordham University and BiMBA had enjoyed a long history, and in the past 12 years, the mutual understanding and trust between two sides were greatly strengthened. Based on this, Freedman believed that the strategic co-operation between the two institutions would have a brighter future, and the establishment of MSGF was a good testament to his best wishes. He further noted that this degree would benefit many talented students from BiMBA and also render him an opportunity to develop extensive work relationships with prestigious professors from National School of Development, which he deemed as a great honor. Finally Mr. Freedman briefly introduced to the audience the arrangements for taking the degree, and believed the 6-week study at New York City this coming summer would broaden the horizon and inspire the creativity of all the students. He said that this program would make Fordham University rethink how to make the world better off through its commitment of international leadership and co-operation.
On behalf of the National School of Development, Professor Wu Ho-Mou, Executive Dean of National School of Development, gave his speech to the audience. He said 12 years marks an important cycle in Chinese traditional culture, and the National School of Development would make better use of this opportunity to further its co-operation with both Fordham University and NASDAQ OMX in financial research and academic exchanges. He recalled the visit he paid to Fordham University in January 2009, during which he discussed and exchanged views about financial risk prevention, financial system reform and other topics with professors at the Graduate School of Business, Fordham University. Professor Wu believed the wide consensus reached in their discussions laid a great foundation for today’s program, and he wished the BiMBA students could cherish this opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills.
Meyer Frucher, Vice Chairman of NASDAQ OMX, also delivered his speech. He said the MSGF was the first of its kind in the history Chinese MBA education, which was very significant. Frucher also mentioned his personal visits to China in 1986, 1998 and 2010 left him deep impressions that great changes have taken place here in the past three decades and China would be the first driving engine for the world economic development in future.
David Gautschi, Dean of Fordham GSB, also shared his thoughts with the audience. He said that the development of financial sector played an important role in the American history, and the emergence of many financial institutions since the early 20th century speeded up the capital flow and promoted the development of American economy. But since the new century began, the frustrating dotcom bubble and sporadic financial crisis increased the uncertainty of the world economy, and the world financial sector was running the risk of dysfunctions. Mr. Gautschi indicated that China’s role would be very significant in the development of world financial sector, and the establishment of MSGF program actually went with the general trend. He believed the active participation of Chinese students would help them upgrade their teaching methods.
The memo signing ceremony was held after all speeches were closed. Professor Wu Ho-Mou, Stephen Freedman from the Fordham University and Meyer Frucher the Vice Chairman of NASDAQ OMX exchanged the signed memos and took photos together.
After the opening ceremony came to an end, there was another ceremony of tree planting and memorial plaque-unveiling in memory of Mr. Alexander Tognino. Ms. Zhang Yan, Senior Council of Intellectual Property Law, IBM China came to join this ceremony and delivered a formal speech at this ceremony. On behalf of Fordham University, Stephen Freedman said that the Tognino brothers had made great contributions to the development of the friendship between Fordham University and BiMBA, and this ceremony was a symbol of this long-term friendship and also the future strategic co-operations between two sides.