Former Vice-President of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), Professor Michael Fang, and co-founder of the Liverpool-Shanghai partnership, Nick Earlam, will be awarded honorary degrees by the University of Liverpool today, as part of a week-long series of events celebrating ten years of XJTLU.
Professor Fang joined the University of Liverpool in 1970, where he progressed to Professor of Applied Electromagnetism. He became Pro-Vice-Chancellor in 2005 and later Director of the Preparatory Office for the establishment of XJTLU. After the inception of the University, which is based in the world heritage city of Suzhou, he became its first Executive Vice-President in 2006.
Earlier this week the University announced that it will host an annual lecture on China, to be named the ‘Michael Fang Lecture,’ in honour of Professor Fang’s contribution to XJTLU and his long distinguished academic career at Liverpool.
Liverpool Shanghai Partnership
Chief Executive of Plexus Cotton, Nick Earlam, has held various posts in the cotton trade. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Aid by Trade Foundation and of its Cotton Made in Africa initiative, which helps smallholders help themselves through trade.
He has also served as Chairman of Liverpool Associates for Tropical Health (LATH), board member of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Trustee of the Liverpool Cathedral Centenary Trust; and was a co-founder of the Liverpool Shanghai Partnership, which paved the way for the establishment of XJTLU.
Based in Suzhou industrial park, XJTLU is home to more than 9,000 students studying across a variety of subjects including computer science, accounting, and architecture. The University plans to launch its South Campus development later this year and expand its degree provision to almost 80 courses in the near future.
Maritime celebration
The honorary degree ceremony will be followed by a unique maritime event at Mann Island, where the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Janet Beer, will launch a Liverpool-Suzhou narrow boat and open an exhibition at the Liverpool Museum reflecting on the history of XJTLU and the maritime history that connects China and Liverpool.
Professor Fang and Nick Earlam will be awarded their honorary degree at a ceremony in the Victoria Gallery and Museum (VG&M) at 10.45am today.