The opening of the University of Dayton China Institute was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony, Aug. 8, in Suzhou Industrial Park in China. Photo contributed by Philip Doepker.

The University of Dayton China Institute opened Aug. 8 in Suzhou Industrial Park in Suzhou, China. Ceremonies were held to celebrate the opening and included performances by University of Dayton students and faculty, according to a university press release. University President Dr. Daniel Curran said over 100 dignitaries, including Suzhou Park leaders and former Ohio Gov. Bob Taft, were present along with other audience members. Located near a third of the world’s Fortune 500 companies, Curran said UDCI’s location promotes potential professional relationships to benefit the institute, UD students and industries. Current companies involved with institute research projects include General Electric, Emerson, Eli Lilly, Makino, Ethicon and Delphi, according to Philip Doepker, UDCI coordinator for industrial and technical relations.

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