Jordan Schnitzer's Landmark Donation Boosts Global Studies at the University of Oregon Amid Global Challenges

$25 Million Donation Enhances University of Oregon's Commitment to Global Education and Leadership

International academic collaborations are essential in fostering knowledge exchange and advancing global research. One such longstanding partnership exists between Queen’s University in Canada and Fudan University in China, which has thrived for over two decades. Since its establishment in 2000, this collaboration has facilitated student exchange programmes, interdisciplinary research, and institutional cooperation, thereby strengthening educational ties between both universities.

To commemorate 25 years of collaboration, Queen’s University welcomed a delegation from Fudan on 6 May 2025, led by President Jin Li. As Queen’s first formal institutional partner in Mainland China, Fudan has played a pivotal role in academic cooperation. During the visit, senior leaders engaged in discussions on key topics, including challenges and opportunities in higher education, the benefits of interdisciplinary programmes, and the role of universities in supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

One of the significant moments of the visit was the signing of a Letter of Intent by Queen’s Principal Patrick Deane and Fudan President Jin Li. This agreement reaffirms their commitment to expanding collaboration, particularly with Fudan’s Institute for Global Public Policy, which works closely with institutions such as the London School of Economics. In recognition of Fudan’s 120th anniversary, Principal Deane presented Dr Jin with a crystal memento.

Furthermore, Vice-Provost for Global Engagement, Sandra den Otter, emphasised that the meeting provided an opportunity for both institutions to reflect on shared priorities and explore ways to strengthen their partnership. Special attention was given to advancing cooperation in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Over the years, Fudan University has remained a key partner for Queen’s, hosting more Queen’s students than any other Chinese institution, with over 100 participants in the Semester in Shanghai Programme. In addition, research collaboration continues to flourish, resulting in more than 40 joint publications in the past five years. Consistently ranked among China’s top five research institutions, Fudan holds global positions of 36th in the Times Higher Education rankings and 39th in the QS World University Rankings. As both universities look to the future, they remain committed to deepening and broadening cooperation, particularly in global public policy and academic exchange. Queen’s University remains optimistic that this partnership will continue to yield meaningful outcomes in the years ahead.

Editor's Note:

The 25-year partnership between Queen’s University and Fudan University highlights the enduring power of global academic collaboration. Amid geopolitical tensions, their consistent and meaningful engagement stands out, fostering a shared intellectual ecosystem through student and faculty exchanges, interdisciplinary research, and joint policy discussions—demonstrating that education can transcend borders. The recent Letter of Intent between Queen’s and Fudan marks a genuine commitment to deeper collaboration, especially in global public policy and sustainability. Unlike many university partnerships, this one goes beyond formalities, focusing on real impact. Its success will be measured not by rankings, but by shared ideas, student growth, and contributions to global academic dialogue. As they move forward, both institutions are called to lead in a complex, connected world.

Skoobuzz asserts that this collaboration goes beyond a mere partnership, illustrating how substantial academic alliances can surmount geographical and political obstacles to foster environments conducive to intellectual and innovative advancement.