Schwarzman Scholars hosted its official convocation ceremony this weekend, welcoming its inaugural class of 110 scholars and celebrating the official opening of Schwarzman College. The event included high profile guests from around the world and a schedule filled with dialogue, reflection and celebration.
See the highlights below:
Founder and Chairman Steve Schwarzman sits with visiting dignitaries and the inaugural class of Scholars.
Attendees toured the building and heard more about the Scholars’ first weeks in Beijing. You can read the scholars’ reflections on their orientation here and take a virtual tour of Schwarzman College here.
The program hosted panels on Friday, including a conversation between Sir John Hood, Chair of the Rhodes Trust, and Steve Schwarzman on the importance of strengthening ties between the future leaders of China and the rest of the world. The panel was moderated by Schwarzman Scholars Dean David Li.
Click here to watch the panel featuring university leaders, and here to watch the panel with Steve Schwarzman and John Hood.
Scholars celebrated the start of the inaugural year, welcoming their families and dignitaries from around the world to their campus.
Madame Liu Yandong, Vice Premier of China, was in attendance.
The inaugural class of Scholars with the program’s leadership and staff.
The scholars enjoyed a private lunch with visiting diplomats and ambassadors from around the world.
Over 400 attendees gathered in the Forum for the official convocation of Schwarzman Scholars. You can watch the full event.
In his remarks, Steve reflected on the origins Schwarzman Scholars, thanked the many people who made this program possible, and re-affirmed his vision of fostering understanding to help the world address the defining challenges of our time.
Kevin Rudd, former Prime Minister of Australia, addressed the audience and spoke to the continued importance of a program dedicated to bringing together the next generation of global leaders.
Chinese Vice Premier Madame Liu Yandong affirmed the program’s role in strengthening ties between China and the rest of the world.
Attendees and Scholars then celebrated with a lunch in the sunken courtyard.