The award ceremony of the 2017 University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI) John Wu and Jane Sun Excellent Student & Talent Scholarships was held at the Yu Liming Student Center on September 18. John Wu and his wife Jane Sun, the donors of the SJTU John Wu and Jane Sun Endowment Fund, distributed the scholarships, officiated by Dean Peisen Huang, Associate Deans Xinwan Li, Chen-Pin Chen, Gang Zheng and other key staff members.

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On behalf of the Joint Institute, Dean Peiseng Huang expressed great appreciation for the Wus’ precious gift, emphasizing the vital role the scholarships play in JI’s continued growth. He pointed out that in addition to donations, John Wu and Jane Sun have been actively participating in the construction of JI, giving advice on JI’s future development. He encouraged the students to emulate the couple and actively contribute to the community with gratitude and sense of responsibility.

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John Wu, a founding partner of the F&H Fund Management, shared his connections with JI and the inspiration for setting up the SJTU John Wu and Jane Sun Endowment Fund. Having studied at both SJTU and the University of Michigan, he joked that he was a pioneer of the SJTU-UM dual-degree program. He said he was deeply affected by how education has changed his father’s life, and he hoped that the scholarships could help more students benefit from equal educational opportunities and fulfill their dreams.

DSC_5237John Wu and Jane Sun awarding the Excellent Student Scholarships

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DSC_5251John Wu and Jane Sun awarding the Talent Scholarships

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Ms. Jane Sun, CEO of Ctrip, shared her personal experience as the motive to establish the John Wu and Jane Sun scholarships. She hoped that the scholarships would benefit students just as how her professor helped her in the past. She expected the excellent students to live up to people’s trust and pass the compassion to more people who need help.

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DSC_5487Kelui Ma, a recipient of 2016 John Wu and Jane Sun Scholarship, introducing the “Wu & Sun Scholarship Club”

In order to enhance the communication between the Wus and the scholarship recipients, last year’s awardees have initiated the “Wu & Sun Scholarship Club,” which enhances members’ identity and helps them adjust to college life through social media and regular gatherings.

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The student representatives presented a group photo collage in the shape of “JI” to the Wus and then helped celebrate their birthdays with a cake.

Introduction of the John Wu and Jane Sun Scholarships:

The SJTU John Wu and Jane Sun Endowment Fund was established in October 2015. It is JI’s most extensive scholarship program, currently consisted of the Excellent Student Scholarship, the Talent Scholarship, the Sunshine Scholarship and the Blastoff Scholarship. The Scholarships for Excellent Students and Talents reward freshmen with excellent scores on the Entrance Examination as well as meeting favorable conditions. Winners receive a scholarship of 20,000 to 50,000 yuan each year. The Sunshine Scholarship supports outstanding current undergraduate students, while prioritizing students with financial difficulties. Applications open in the fall semester, with the prize ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 yuan each year. The Blastoff Scholarship rewards JI junior and senior students with strong comprehensive capabilities and leadership potential. Applications open in the fall semester, with the prize ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 yuan a year.