Chinese-American Astronaut Dr. Leroy Chiao Visited SDU

From October 11th to 14th, Dr. Leroy Chiao, accompanied by his family visited SDU. Dr. Chiao is a Chinese-American astronaut who performed a space walk and was appointed the commander of the International Space Station. He received the title of honorary doctorate from SDU. SDU President Xu Xianming and Vice-President Fan Liming met with Dr. Chiao and attended the conferment ceremony. Vice-President Zhang Yongbing also met Dr. Chiao during his visit to the university.

On 11th, during his meeting with Dr. Chiao, President Xu warmly welcomed him and introduced the history and present development of SDU. He highlighted the development of the research in physics and space science and expressed his intention for cooperation between SDU and Dr. Chiao in appropriate areas. Dr. Chiao expressed his gratitude for the honorary degree from and hospitality of SDU. He explained the difference between China and America in their space activities and the direction of his future undertaking. Dr. Chiao expressed his hope to keep close contact with SDU to promote the development of space by both China and America.

After the meeting, Dr. Chiao and his family attended the Ceremony for Conferring the Honorary Doctorate of SDU. President Xu Xianming, also the president of the SDU academic degree evaluation committee delivered a speech at the ceremony. In his speech, President Xu highly praised Dr. Chiao for his brilliant achievement and patriotism. Vice-President Fan Liming read the resolution on Conferring the Honorary Doctorate upon Dr. Chiao issued by the academic degree committee of the State Council. President Assistant and Deputy Dean of the Graduate School, Jia Lei, hosted the ceremony. After the ceremony, Dr. Chiao delivered a speech titled Adventures of a Chinese-American Astronaut and answered questions from the audience. The speech was hosted by Prof. Liang Zuotang, Dean of the School of Physics.

In the afternoon, accompanied by the faculty members from the School of Physics, Dr. Chiao visited relevant laboratories and held a meeting with the teachers and students of the School of Physics to discuss future cooperation. In the evening, he attended an activity called Scientific Expectations to share his pilgrimage in pursuing his dream with 500 SDU students in the Mount Xinglong Campus. The students were greatly inspired by Dr. Chiao s understanding of and insight into life. Dr. Chiao answered questions raised by the students and encouraged them to follow their heart to pursue and realize their dreams.

Dr. Chiao also visited other SDU campuses and museum. He was impressed by the long history and vigorous development of SDU. Before his departure of SDU , Dr. Chiao again expressed his gratitude and showed his willingness to support the construction and development of SDU.

By Cui Xinyuan