Sias University held an Outstanding Contribution Award Ceremony, on May 24, to mark its 20th Anniversary celebrations. The Founder and Chairman of the Board of Sias, Dr. Shawn Chen, Party Secretary, Ma Jiansheng, Sias President, Chen Sikun, Executive President, Wang Jialin, Deputy Party Secretary, Li Huafeng, and Vice President, Wu Hua, presented awards at the ceremony.

The awards were to recognize the selfless contribution of experts and leaders who had contributed to the growth and development of Sias University over the past 20 years. These were people whose contributions were tied to the history of Sias.

Xie Qimeng:

    He set an example for the operation of Sino-U.S. cooperative projects for many years. He has played a vital role through his support in both China and the USA for the development of Sias.

Xiao Yunlong:

    He devoted himself to the development of Sias with advice, guidance, and advocacy for the improvement of the university management.

Zhou Jianzhong:

    He worked towards solving the problem of electricity consumption in universities with the Department of Electricity. He helped Sias solve its initial financial difficulties by coordinating with local banks and helping Sias get its first loan. He also helped less fortunate students complete their studies by raising millions through organizations.

Ding Youming:

    He used his photographs to tell Sias' story, and he used his camera to capture the lives of students. He is a historian for Sias.

Chen Chunwu:

    Over the past 20 years, he has continuously supported his son, Dr. Shawn Chen. He provided guidance to the Founder's vision.

Wen Simin:

    The wife of the Founder, Dr. Shawn Chen, has supported his endeavors and those of the university over the past 20 years, through hands-on contributions to its development, design, and growth.

Wu Yongchan:

    Without him, Sias would not be where it is today. He provided Sias with $1m at its founding, 20 years ago, enabling the fledgling university to overcome several obstacles. His support is invaluable.

Chen Yichu:

    He guided Sias through several difficult times with his focus on education in the Central Plains. He said that the greatest benefit of the founding of Sias was the opportunities that it provided its students.

Zhang Chunxiang:

    Her contribution to the establishment and development of Sias were both continuous and personal. She said that the gap between China and developed countries was reflected in the gap in their education. She also pointed out the significance of the strategic location of Sias University in the hometown of the legendary Yellow Emperor, Xinzheng.

Jerrie Ueberle:

    She founded the World Academy for the Future of Women and organized the annual Women's Symposium at Sias University. She has been committed to helping women achieve their goals, and guiding students to achieve a comprehensive development so that they can contribute responsibly to society.

Charles Martin:

    His ingenuity and creativity led to the unique architectural designs at Sias. Every building and venue on the Sias campus bears the hallmark of his East-meets-West designs, including the Administration Building with its dual Tian'anmen and Capitol Hill design.

Fort Hays State University, Kansas, USA:

    Sias University and Fort Hays State University have been partners since 2000. They are Sias' main partner university and are pivotal to Sias' East-meets-West educational philosophy.

Wu Xiuzhi:

    She has been at Sias for 17 years and continues to teach and nurture students. She is the inspiration for many at Sias' innovative vocal music programs.

Hu Bianying:

    He created Sias' Marching Band and led them from obscurity to being the best in the province of Henan. His expertise and guidance have been the driving force for thousands of students to learn music and make Sias an outstanding contributor to music in Henan.

Gary Lee Todd:

    He gave up his personal copyright and donated the proceeds from the sale of his books. He founded a free website that documents the history and culture of Xinzheng, Henan, and China. For 14 years he has been dedicated to Sias and has been diligent in his implementation of Sias' unique East-meets-West educational philosophy. He is an innovator in Sias' education.

Chen Xiaojun:

    When he was a student, he was diligent and idealistic. Since his graduation, he has written about his Alma mater, Sias University. He is a prime example of students at Sias.

Liu Fupeng:

    From a student to the leader of a volunteer team, and the creation of a public welfare brand. For 10 years, and through many seasons, he has helped Sias contribute to society.

Sias University has achieved remarkable things in the past 20 years. The 20th Anniversary Outstanding Contribution Awards are a "thank you" from Sias to its invaluable contributors through many ups and downs and hurdles in its development.