NEW YORK, NY, USA and BEIJING, CHINA June 25, 2023 – Schwarzman Scholars today celebrated the Commencement of its seventh cohort—the Class of 2023. The graduating class, composed of 143 Scholars from 32 countries, received their Master’s degrees in Global Affairs from Tsinghua University. The celebration, held at Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, featured Commencement Speaker Dame Louise Richardson, President of Carnegie Corporation, and Stephen A. Schwarzman, the program’s Founding Trustee.
The Commencement ceremony included opening remarks by Executive Dean and Master of Ceremonies, David Pan, and congratulatory remarks from Wang Hongwei, Vice President of Tsinghua University; Dean of Schwarzman College, Xue Lan; Chief Executive Officer, Amy Stursberg; and Executive Director, Lara Tiedens. Over 400 guests gathered to celebrate the Class of 2023 in the Forum at the College.
In her message to the graduating class, Dame Louise Richardson encouraged young leaders to work for international cooperation, “I hope that through this global network you will be able to advance the cause of international understanding. You have had an extraordinary international experience and I hope it is the first of many. By living in another country, learning another language and immersing yourself in another culture you have the best training possible to promote global understanding and cooperation by advocating an appreciation of the other’s perspective.”
Stephen A. Schwarzman inspired the graduates to create change by embracing collaboration and community. “We hope you’ll work together to make a positive impact and create global solutions. The success of Schwarzman Scholars depends upon all of you applying the lessons and values learned during your year in Beijing—of cultural exchange and understanding—and bringing them to a larger community throughout your lives.”
Student Speaker Micah Jumpp delivered insightful remarks and advice to the graduates, urging them to connect with their peers and embrace community as a means to help navigate identity.
With the graduation of its seventh cohort, the Schwarzman Scholar global alumni community expands to over 900 alumni from 88 countries and from 390 universities. The graduates will join a robust, global network of young leaders and contribute to the mission of Schwarzman Scholars.
The Commencement celebration marks the culmination of another vibrant year at Schwarzman College. Over the past year, the Scholars engaged with over 56 leading faculty from all corners of the world, while developing their leadership skills, knowledge of China and global affairs. They completed complex Capstone projects on topics such as “Measuring the Effectiveness of Anti-Organised Crime Strategies in China and Mexico,” “People-Centered Policymaking: A Case Study of Transit-Oriented Development in Tongzhou, Beijing,” “Decarbonization of Shandong Province’s Materials Sector,” and others.
About Dame Louise Richardson
Dame Louise Richardson DBE is president of the philanthropic foundation Carnegie Corporation of New York. Previously, she served as vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford and of the University of St. Andrews, and as executive dean of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. A widely recognized expert on terrorism and international relations, she is the recipient of numerous fellowships, awards, and honorary doctorates. Born in Ireland, Richardson received a BA in history from Trinity College Dublin, an MA in political science from UCLA, and an MA and PhD in government from Harvard University, where she spent 20 years on the faculty of the Department of Government, teaching courses on international security and foreign policy.
About Schwarzman Scholars
Schwarzman Scholars is a fully-funded, one-year master’s degree program in global affairs at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. An unparalleled learning experience, it is the first scholarship of its kind created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st century and designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders.
Each year, up to 200 candidates from around the world are selected to join a diverse cohort. Schwarzman Scholars seeks candidates with leadership qualities and the potential to foster cross-cultural understanding. Scholars come from a wide variety of industries and backgrounds, such as business, technology, politics, healthcare, and more.
Schwarzman Scholars’ dynamic curriculum–based on the pillars of China, leadership, and global affairs–is designed to provide Scholars with the knowledge, skills, and firsthand experience needed to navigate the complexities of the evolving global landscape. Through an immersive experience in China, Scholars spend a year living in Beijing, studying at the prestigious Tsinghua University under the guidance of leading academics and global thought leaders.
Schwarzman Scholars was established in 2013 by Founding Trustee Stephen A. Schwarzman. Inspired by his vision, Schwarzman Scholars aspires to create a global network of leaders who will shape the future.