On July 15, 2011, the International Master of Public Administration (IMPA) Class of 2010 graduated from the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University. The Commencement Ceremony was attended by the IMPA class, families and friends, the Vice Dean of the Graduate School of Tsinghua University, Dean Xue Lan and SPPM professors, as well as representatives from 23 embassies and the Ministry of Commerce.
The IMPA Class of 2010 comprises 38 students from 34 countries across Africa and Asia. Prior to enrolling in the one-year IMPA degree program, most students held positions in their respective government departments while others came from prestigious universities. Over the course of one academic year, they mastered public administrative theories and tools, and gained a better understanding of China’s development practices. The students successfully defended their thesis under the direction of their SPPM professors and actively participated in field study trips within China.
The ceremony, hosted by Assistant Dean Meng Bo, began with a welcome speech by Dean Xue Lan. Dean Xue compared the relationship between China and African nations as one as solid as a rock. Professor Yu An and Mr. Christopher Mchenga each spoke respectively on behalf of the Faculty and students. The student representative Mr. Mchenga expressed the class’s appreciation of the University, professors, and funding organizations. Mr. Yu Yingfu, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Commerce, Department of Foreign Aid, and Ms. Gao Hong, Vice Dean of the Graduate School of Tsinghua University also gave speeches of congratulations to the students. Finally, the ambassadors from the embassies of Malawi, Nepal, and Senegal gave their well wishes and sincere congratulations to the IMPA students while emphasizing the strong link between China and other emerging nations.
Two students, Mr. Christopher Yotamu Mchenga from Malawi, and Mr. Walter Mpandawana from Zimbabwe, were awarded Outstanding Master’s degree thesis certificates. The IMPA students, professors, and attending guests from the embassies continued to celebrate the joyous occasion at the reception that followed.
