Published: February 13, 2009 11:00 pm      

Ambassador visits campus

COBLESKILL _ A Chinese ambassador came to the State University College of Technology at Cobleskill on Friday to say "thank you."

After the deadly May earthquake in Sichuan Province in China, the SUNY system hosted 150 students at its campuses this school year.

Thirty-nine of the students were at the luncheon, held at Champlin dining hall at SUNY Cobleskill, the largest host with 18 students. There were four at SUNY Delhi who, along with students at the University at Albany and Herkimer Community College, were also at the luncheon. They will be returning home at the end of the school year.

"We are all very grateful to you," said Peng Keyu, the People's Republic of China consul general of the New York consulate, in addressing the SUNY officials in attendance. Keyu was accompanied by education counselor Cen Jianjun, and consuls Li Tingting and Liu Junhua.

Keyu told the students, "You have made good progress, both academically and socially. I hope you will continue to take full advantage and be ready to serve the people when you return."

In talking about the Chinese students, SUNY Cobleskill President Donald Zingale said, "Their presence has been a gift to this college, its students and its faculty. They have reached out to those around them and endeared themselves to all."

Because of the experience, Zingale will travel to Sichuan this year when he visits Chinese universities and technical colleges with which SUNY Cobleskill already has a relationship.

SUNY Delhi President Candace Vancko also spoke, saying that the students have been truly embraced by her community.

"This initiative has enriched both of our cultures," she said. "I have a hard time thinking they will return (home)."

Lihui Jiang, 20, is studying liberal arts at SUNY Delhi.

"I like the people here" and how they are free to give their opinions, she said. She also discovered croissants in Delhi, something they don't have in China.

"I enjoy my life," she said. "But I miss my home."

Yiming Zeng, 20, is a financial services major studying at SUNY Cobleskill. He is planning to help rebuild his province when he returns in May, he said. He has found the college in some ways more difficult than schools in China.

"I love Cobleskill. The professors, faculty and students have all been very kind," he said.

The diverse population, he said, has helped the students be readily accepted.