$300 million (¥1.8 billion) program is largest-ever internationally-funded philanthropic effort in China’s history to support 200 scholars per year studying in the country

Emulates Rhodes Scholarship program created in 1902

BEIJING--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Blackstone founder Stephen A. Schwarzman today announced a $100 million (¥600 million) personal gift to build and endow an elite scholarship program in China inspired by the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship program created in 1902 by British statesman Cecil J. Rhodes. A simultaneous fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $200 million (¥1.2 billion) will make the program the largest charitable effort in China’s history with funds coming largely from outside the country. The “Schwarzman Scholars” program will be housed at Tsinghua University in Beijing, one of China’s most prestigious universities, dedicated to academic excellence and integrity, and the interaction between Chinese and Western cultures.

Said Stephen A. Schwarzman, “When Cecil J. Rhodes created the Rhodes Scholarship program in 1902 to promote international understanding, Europe was at the center of gravity for the world’s economy, and the United States, the British Empire and Germany were the world’s most influential global players. While the 20th century was defined by U.S. ties to Europe, there is no question that the nature of China’s international relationships will play at least as important a role in this century.”

He continued, “China’s economy is growing at three times the rate of the West, and if that growth continues, China will become the largest economy in the world within the next couple of decades. Disproportionate levels of growth often create global imbalances and tensions, which will need to be addressed in the decades ahead. Looking to the future, it is crucial that both countries and others around the world work hard to build on a foundation of interdependence, to foster stronger and deeper relationships, and to develop a real and full understanding of each other’s cultures among the next generations of business and political leaders. In the 21^st century, China is no longer an elective course, it’s core curriculum.

“For the West, this means developing a far richer and more nuanced understanding of China’s social, political and economic context. A win-win relationship of mutual respect between the West and China is vital, benefiting Asia and the rest of the world, and enhancing economic ties that could lead to a new era of mutual prosperity.

“Leveraging the world-class resources and talented people at Tsinghua University, one of China’s most prestigious universities, the program will bring together an exceptional group of students who, we hope, will one day have the power to change the course of history.”

Schwarzman Scholars will support 200 students annually for a one-year Master’s program at Tsinghua University under the direction of Dean David Daokui Li, a prominent Chinese economist and former member of China’s currency board. Students will hail predominantly from the U.S., but also from Europe, South Korea, Japan, India and other areas of the globe. Students will live in Beijing for a year of study and cultural immersion, attending lectures by heads of state, traveling throughout the country, and developing a true understanding of China.

The first class of students is slated for 2016, upon the completion of Schwarzman College, a residential building designed specifically for the program. Robert A.M. Stern, Dean of Yale’s School of Architecture, designed the building, which is based on the residential colleges at Harvard, Yale, Oxford and Cambridge. The admissions season will open in 2015.

Schwarzman Scholars has a world-class Advisory Board whose members have unparalleled insight and experience in international policy and diplomatic challenges. Members of the Advisory Board include:

• Nicolas Sarkozy, Former President of the French Republic (Honorary);
• Anthony “Tony” Blair, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (Honorary);
• Brian Mulroney, Former Prime Minister of Canada (Honorary);
• Kevin Rudd, Former Prime Minister of Australia (Honorary);
• Tung CheeHwa, Vice Chairman of the 12^th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (Honorary);
• Henry Kissinger, 56^th United States Secretary of State (Honorary);
• Colin Powell, 65^th United States Secretary of State (Honorary);
• Condoleezza Rice, 66^th United States Secretary of State (Honorary);
• Henry “Hank” Paulson, 74^th United States Secretary of the Treasury (Honorary);
• Robert “Bob” Rubin, 70^th United States Secretary of the Treasury, Co-Chairman of the Council on Foreign Relations (Honorary);
• Sir James “Jim” Wolfensohn, 9^th President of the World Bank Group (Honorary);
• Richard Haass, President, Council on Foreign Relations (Honorary);
• Richard “Rick” Levin, President of Yale University (Honorary);
• Richard Brodhead, President, Duke University (Honorary);
• Chen Ning Yang, Nobel Laureate and Honorary Director of the Institute of Advanced Study at Tsinghua University (Honorary);
• John Thornton, Chairman of the Brookings Institution and Professor and Director of Global Leadership at Tsinghua University (Honorary);
• Yo-Yo Ma, the renowned American cellist (Honorary); and
• Iain Conn, Managing Director, BP plc.

Former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair commented: “Schwarzman Scholars will prepare future leaders to interact in a constructive and collaborative way - learning to balance healthy competition with being able to forge lasting partnerships.”

Said Ambassador Gary Locke, U.S. Ambassador to China: “The Schwarzman Scholars program will help the United States and China strengthen ties in all aspects of our bilateral relationship by deepening mutual understanding between both countries, and by creating the interpersonal connections from which a shared vision of future engagement and cooperation can emerge.”

Added Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State: “The rise of China presents both opportunities and challenges. The future of our countries is intertwined both economically and politically. There is no better way than through the development of the next generation of leaders to ensure mutual respect and understanding going forward. That is the critical mission of the Schwarzman Scholars.”

Said Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State: “The rise of China is one of the central challenges of our time and as global citizens, we need to forge a deeper understanding between the U.S. and China, and diminish cultural biases to mitigate possible tensions and create opportunities for both countries. Close relationships, cultural understanding and open communication are required to sustain a peaceful world and to avoid conflict. Our hope is that, based on the knowledge, relationships and perspectives gained through this pivotal experience, Schwarzman Scholars will one day help shape the future of international discourse and interaction.”

Said Dr. John Hood, Chair of the Rhodes Trustees: “The Schwarzman Scholars program is visionary, timely and sure to capture the competitive enthusiasm of those who are among the most outstanding international and Chinese graduate students, in the same way as the world's great Scholarship programs have done during the past century.”

Additional endorsements can be found below.

Students will have a choice of four academic disciplines: Public Policy, International Relations, Economics & Business and Engineering. Additional disciplines will be added in future years. The academic program was developed in consultation with an Academic Advisory Council comprised of individuals from prestigious institutions of higher learning such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Duke and Oxford.

Said President Jining Chen of Tsinghua University: “The world is at an important crossroads that calls for institutions of higher education to step forward and play a significant role in shaping the future of international relations. Tsinghua is honored to partner with Mr. Schwarzman to establish a scholarship program that will help educate and prepare the next generation of global leaders.”

Said David Daokui Li, Dean of Schwarzman Scholars: “Constructive cooperation should be a key cornerstone of Sino-U.S. relations for the future, and I am very excited to join President Chen, Mr. Schwarzman and the illustrious Advisory Board of Schwarzman Scholars to build a new center for scholarship and international discourse.”

Members of the Academic Advisory Council are:

• Mary Brown Bullock, Executive Vice Chancellor, Duke Kunshan University;
• Dr. Michael Cappello, Professor of Pediatrics, Epidemiology, and Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale Program in International Child Health and Director, Yale World Fellows Program, Yale University;
• Thomas J. Christensen, William P. Boswell Professor of World Politics of Peace and War and Director, China and the World Program and Faculty Chair, M.P.P. Program, Princeton University and Former Deputy Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs;
• Jane Edwards, Associate Dean of Yale College, Dean of International and Professional Experience, Yale University;
• Louis Goodman, Professor and Dean Emeritus, School of International Service, American University;
• William C. Kirby, Spangler Family Professor of Business Administration, T.M. Chang Professor of China Studies, Harvard;
• Sir Colin Lucas, Former Vice Chancellor, Oxford University;
• Edward Macias, Provost, Washington University at St. Louis;
• F. Warren McFarlan, Albert H. Gordon Professor of Business Administration, Emeritus, Harvard;
• Jean C. Oi, William Haass Professor in Chinese Politics and a Senior Fellow of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University;
• Steve Orlins, President, National Committee on U.S.-China Relations;
• Susanne Weigelin-Schwiedrzik, Professor and Vice-Rector for Research and Career Development, University of Vienna;
• Dr. Pauline Yu, President, American Council of Learned Societies;
• Xinsheng Zhang, Former Vice Minister of Education; and
• Dr. Ji Zhou, Former Minister of Education and President of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

As of April 21, 2013, the Schwarzman Scholars program has achieved $200 million (¥1.2 billion) toward its overall $300 million (¥1.8 billion) capital and endowment campaign goal. In addition to Mr. Schwarzman’s personal gift of $100 million (¥600 million), the program has succeeded in raising $100 million (¥600 million) from private donors over six months.

Cornerstone Partner donors include BP. Founding Partner donors include: Chan Soon-Shiong Family Foundation; EMC Corporation; and Ray Dalio. Partner donors include: Bank of America Merrill Lynch; The Boeing Company; China Resources (Holdings) Company Ltd.; and GE. Funder donors include: Bloomberg Philanthropies; Digicel; J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.; and Margarita Louis-Dreyfus. Other donors include: Caterpillar; Credit Suisse; Deloitte LLP; Fluor Corporation; and Sun Capital Partners Foundation, Inc. There are numerous donors at various levels that have asked to be anonymous. The Chinese and other international markets will be approached for philanthropic support following the announcement.

Said Iain Conn, Managing Director, BP plc.: “BP is very pleased to be a Cornerstone Partner in the Schwarzman Scholars Program. Enhancing the understanding between China and the World through the development of Chinese and international talent at Tsinghua University will be invaluable over time to all international institutions with Chinese interests, and therefore also to BP. This involvement also deepens BP's long-standing collaboration with Tsinghua University.

“BP is honored to be supporting the Schwarzman Scholars Program, and in doing so deepening our commitment to China's future through the advancement of education and international relationships. Together we hope to build a unique platform for future leaders to gain real-life global experiences and have interaction with political, business and thought leaders, with the vision of fostering greater understanding and more meaningful dialogue between China and the world. Through our involvement, BP will assist in advising the School, support 14 BP Fellows each year as part of the program, and engage with successive cadres of Scholars.”

Said W. James McNerney, Jr, Chairman, President and CEO, The Boeing Company: “Collaboration is a bridge that enables the United States and China to grow and prosper together. Boeing supports the Schwarzman Scholars program because it will help develop future leaders with global sensibilities and further strengthen the ties between our two countries.”

Schwarzman and Chen commented: “We thank our Cornerstone and Founding Partners, and all of our donors for their early support. Their intuitive recognition of the importance of this program and generosity will help ensure the Schwarzman Scholars program is endowed in perpetuity.”

More information on the program, fundraising and admissions can be found at www.schwarzmanscholars.org and on our Facebook page. Follow us on Twitter at @Schwarzmanorg.

About Tsinghua University

Tsinghua University, founded in 1911, is widely regarded as one of China’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning. Honoring its motto of “Self-discipline and Social Commitment” and the spirit of “Actions Speak Louder than Words,” Tsinghua has been committed to academic innovation, national development and the progress of all civilization. The university has educated more than 170,000 students, a great number of whom have become elite academics, industrial leaders and government officials. Tsinghua alumni have made outstanding contributions to China’s technology development, culture and education, economic construction and social progress.

Tsinghua University excels in its fundamental task of high-level personnel training, and also serves as an indispensable base for the country’s scientific and technological research. Moreover, Tsinghua possesses a world-renowned faculty and exceptionally gifted students of the highest quality. The university boasts approximately 3,200 faculty members, and more than 35,000 full-time students, including more than 3,500 international students from 108 countries.

Placing great importance on basic research, applied research, and scientific and knowledge, Tsinghua has attained a prodigious number of significant academic achievements.

Tsinghua University is now a truly comprehensive research university. Its 19 schools and 55 departments cover 11 disciplines in sciences, engineering, literature, art, history, philosophy, economics, management, law, education, and medicine.

About Stephen A. Schwarzman

Stephen A. Schwarzman is Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone. He has been involved in all phases of the firm’s development since its founding in 1985. The firm is now one of the world’s largest alternative asset managers with $210 billion assets under management, as of December 31, 2012. The firm invests on behalf of 36 million pensioners globally, as well as academic institutions, charitable organizations and governments around the world.

Mr. Schwarzman is an active philanthropist, with a history of supporting education, schools and motivated students. Through his philanthropy, he attempts to find transformative solutions to major challenges.

In 2007, he donated $100 million to the New York Public Library, a gift that served as the anchor commitment in a $1 billion fundraising capital campaign to prepare the library to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. Mr. Schwarzman created an endowment to sponsor 200 children a year in perpetuity to attend Catholic schools in New York City, and has also supported international student scholarships.

Mr. Schwarzman is former Chairman of the Board of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He is a member of The Council on Foreign Relations, Business Council, and Business Roundtable. He serves on the boards of the New York Public Library, Asia Society, and New York City Partnership.

International board memberships include: the Shanghai International Financial Advisory Council, China Development Bank International Advisory Committee, the Advisory Board of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, the International Advisory Board to the Russian Federation, and the Advisory Board for the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. In 2007, Mr. Schwarzman was awarded the Légion d’Honneur of France and, in 2010, he was promoted to Officier.

Mr. Schwarzman holds a BA from Yale University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He has served as an adjunct professor at the Yale School of Management and on the Visiting Committee of Harvard Business School. He currently serves as a member of Harvard’s Global Advisory Council and on the Advisory Board of the School of Economics and Management at Tsinghua University in Beijing. In 2012, Mr. Schwarzman was awarded an Honorary Degree from Quinnipiac University.

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Support for Schwarzman Scholars

Nicolas Sarkozy, Former President of the French Republic: “Today’s world is marked by extraordinary changes in the balance of economic and geopolitical powers. China is a compelling example: its weight in the world economy more than doubled between 2000 to 2010, overtaking Japan as the world’s second largest economy. Schwarzman Scholars is a visionary program that prepares future leaders to act, and interact, in today’s economic and geopolitical rapidly evolving landscape.”

Kevin Rudd, Former Prime Minister of Australia: “The beginning of wisdom in international political and economic relations is to understand how the same reality can be perceived differently by different peoples. In this 21st century of rapid globalization, including the rise of China as a great power, this wisdom is arguably more important than at any other time in history. Schwarzman Scholars aims to respond to this challenge by bridging this gap for the next generation of global leaders, enhancing international understanding, and helping build a new culture of global collaboration.”

Tony Blair, Former Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: “Schwarzman Scholars will prepare future leaders to interact in a constructive and collaborative way - learning to balance healthy competition with being able to forge lasting partnerships.”

Brian Mulroney, Former Prime Minister of Canada: “This prestigious program will attract talented individuals with the vision to see that they must understand where the world is moving. It offers an unrivaled opportunity for future leaders to spend a year gaining first-hand exposure to China. Through travel to all corners of the country, access to China’s leadership, exposure to the culture and way of life, and the lifetime bonds they will forge with their peers, Schwarzman Scholars will be poised to make their mark in the decades to come.”

Ambassador Gary Locke, U.S. Ambassador to China: “The Schwarzman Scholars program will help the United States and China strengthen ties in all aspects of our bilateral relationship by deepening mutual understanding between both countries, and by creating the interpersonal connections from which a shared vision of future engagement and cooperation can emerge.”

Condoleezza Rice, 66^th United States Secretary of State: “The rise of China presents both opportunities and challenges. The future of our countries is intertwined both economically and politically. There is no better way than through the development of the next generation of leaders to ensure mutual respect and understanding going forward. That is the critical mission of the Schwarzman Scholars.”

Colin Powell, 65^th United States Secretary of State: “China's extraordinary economic progress has already transformed Asia, and future decades will see even greater increases in Chinese influence and power. Looking to the future, it is critical that the Western world deepen its understanding of China – and not just of China’s economy and politics, but also its history, culture and social forces. By expanding what future leaders know of China, Schwarzman Scholars can help forge a new era of geopolitical stability and competitiveness.”

Henry “Hank” Paulson, 74^th United States Secretary of the Treasury: “A solid education and firsthand knowledge provide the foundation to create a generation of globally aware leaders. The Schwarzman Scholars provide American youth the opportunity to experience and understand China, which will benefit the long term bilateral relationship between the United States and China as these scholars develop into future business and government leaders.”

Robert “Bob” Rubin, 70^th United States Secretary of the Treasury, Co-Chairman of the Council on Foreign Relations: “The rise of China presents significant opportunities and issues for the U.S. and other nations. By providing outstanding young students from around the world with greater knowledge of China’s economic, political and social dynamics and motivations, Schwarzman Scholars will better prepare them to engage constructively with those challenges. This program is well timed and carefully designed for the transforming global economy and geopolitics of the 21^st Century.”

Henry Kissinger, 56th United States Secretary of State: “The rise of China is one of the central challenges of our time and as global citizens, we need to forge a deeper understanding between the U.S. and China, and diminish cultural biases to mitigate possible tensions and create opportunities for both countries. Close relationships, cultural understanding and open communication are required to sustain a peaceful world and to avoid conflict. Our hope is that, based on the knowledge, relationships and perspectives gained through this pivotal experience, Schwarzman Scholars will one day help shape the future of international discourse and interaction."

Christine Lagarde, 11^th Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund: “Understanding China and its unique role in the global economy is essential to maintain global stability. As China continues its remarkable success story, its economic leadership will be an important presence in our ever evolving world. An appreciation for China’s economy, culture, and experiences is both useful and necessary—not just to understand China, or Asia, but the world as a whole.”

Sir James Wolfensohn, 9th President of the World Bank Group: “The Schwarzman Scholars program comes at the right time. In this cycle when China becomes the most significant economic power in the world, a program that brings about better understanding of the region is very worthwhile. It is an important and necessary initiative.”

Richard N. Haas, President of the Council on Foreign Relations: “The 21^st century will in no small part be defined by how and how well the United States and China manage their bilateral relations and the extent to which they and the other major powers in Asia and beyond can work together to meet regional and global challenges. Prospects for cooperation are likely to improve if future leaders from around the world come to know one another along with both China and its people. Schwarzman Scholars is thus a welcome initiative with the potential to advance understanding among young men and women destined for future positions of responsibility, influence, and leadership.”

Richard Levin, President of Yale University: “The U.S.-China relationship has never been more important, which makes this program much needed and timely. Schwarzman Scholars is more than simply an academic exchange. It will promote mutual respect and deeper understanding between cultures, allowing those involved to engage constructively when they enter the world stage. This is a scholarship program specifically designed to address challenges of modern times.”

Richard Brodhead, President of Duke University: “Education is the most critical bridge we can build across cultural divides. Students from around the world would be wise to consider a year of study in China, particularly when paired with the access and exposure that Schwarzman Scholars provides. Understanding China will be an increasingly valuable asset in future years. My congratulations to Steve Schwarzman and Tsinghua University for this bold new partnership.”

Dr. John Hood, Chair of the Rhodes Trustees: “The Schwarzman Scholars Program is visionary, timely and sure to capture the competitive enthusiasm of those who are among the most outstanding international and Chinese graduate students, in the same way as the world's great Scholarship programs have done during the past century.”

John Thornton, Chairman of Brookings Institution, Professor and Director of Global Leadership at Tsinghua University: “Genuine understanding based on sustained relationships between the future leaders of China and other major nations is a precondition for the realization of the peaceful and prosperous century we seek. The establishment of the Schwarzman Scholars is a milestone in the effort to build the bridges that will make such connections and the resulting collaboration for the common good possible.”

Yo-Yo Ma, American Cellist: “One thing I've learned in music is that we must work toward something bigger than ourselves. The mission of the Schwarzman Scholars program embodies that same principle. Today, we live in a world of over seven billion people, living in over 200 countries and speaking over 6,000 languages. Working at the intersection of politics, economics and culture, the Schwarzman Scholars will do the crucial work of giving the tools to develop world views that not only encompass the needs of our planet’s seven billion, but are also rooted in local neighborhoods. The Schwarzman Scholars program is a testament to Stephen Schwarzman’s visionary understanding of what our world needs and his willingness to put resources into making the essential a reality.”

Academic Advisory Council members:

Mary Brown Bullock, Executive Vice Chancellor, Duke Kunshan University: “The establishment of Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University reminds us of Tsinghua's early twentieth century American origins and guarantees its continuing prominence in twenty-first century U.S.-China relations.”

Dr. Michael Cappello, Professor of Pediatrics, Epidemiology, and Microbial Pathogenesis; Yale Program in International Child Health; Director, Yale World Fellows Program, Yale University: “Addressing 21^st century challenges will require a truly global perspective in our leaders, one that can only be achieved through opportunities to interact across traditional boundaries. The transformative intellectual and social experience of Schwarzman Scholars will equip and inspire them to solve global problems through engagement, dialogue, and collaboration. Ultimately, this unique network could very well play a critical role in shaping the future of international cooperation.”

Thomas J. Christensen, William P. Boswell Professor of World Politics of Peace and War; Director, China and the World Program; Faculty Chair, M.P.P. Program, Princeton University: “Schwarzman Scholars will not only receive a top-flight education, they will also forge a strong sense of community with their peers, all of whom promise to achieve great things in the future. The knowledge gained and the relationships built will serve Schwarzman Scholars throughout their careers.”

Jane Edwards, Associate Dean of Yale College, Dean of International and Professional Experience, Yale University: “We know from the experience of Yale students that programs which bring together the most talented young people from around the world to learn and to create friendships in a challenging classroom environment can forge a new generation of global leaders. Schwarzman Scholars will be just such a program, and will foster a new level of understanding of China among our young leaders.”

Louis W. Goodman, Professor and Emeritus Dean of the School of International Service, American University: “The Schwarzman Scholars Program will provide remarkable opportunities for young people from the United States, China, and around the world to forge relationships and gain competences which will position them to be leaders for building a peaceful and prosperous world as we move through the 21st century.”

William C. Kirby, Spangler Family Professor of Business Administration; T.M. Chang Professor of China Studies, Harvard: “China's rise (or as I prefer, return) to a position of global power and influence poses both challenges and opportunities to others. Steve Schwarzman's vision has chosen engagement over challenge: the engagement of young leaders across the world with their Chinese counterparts to build, over generations, patterns of cooperation and mutual understanding. The establishment of Schwarzman Scholars and Schwarzman College is the kind of bold initiative one sees too rarely in higher education today, let alone in international relations. This is an endeavor, like that of the Rhodes Scholarships of the early 20th century, which will make a difference in our world a century and more from now.”

Sir Colin Lucas, Vice-Chancellor Emeritus, University of Oxford: “I welcome warmly the creation of the Schwarzman Scholarship program and the foundation of Stephen A. Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University. It will further enhance the mutual understanding and lasting ties between other parts of the world and China through one of its greatest universities. Successive generations of young people will achieve new insights and perspectives as well as graduate education of outstanding quality.”

F. Warren McFarlan, Albert H. Gordon Professor of Business Administration, Emeritus, Harvard: “The Schwarzman Scholars Program at Tsinghua University is a giant step forward in improving the understanding of the next generation of U.S. leaders on the opportunities and challenges inside China. No bilateral relationship will be more important in the next 50 years than that between China and the U.S. This program will deeply and positively impact that relationship.”

Edward Macias, Provost, Washington University at St. Louis: “The Schwarzman Scholars program offers a magnificent opportunity for students from around the globe to study and learn together at Tsinghua University, one of the world's great universities. The experience these students will have at Tsinghua and the time they will spend in China will be extremely valuable throughout their lives. I am proud to be a part of making the Schwarzman Scholars program a reality and look forward to helping to make it a great success.”

Jean C. Oi, William Haass Professor in Chinese Politics and a Senior Fellow of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University: “Knowledge about China is essential for the 21^st century. The Schwarzman Scholars Program promises to provide a much needed opportunity to bring together top graduates from around the world to gain a first-hand understanding of China’s society, economy, and politics. It is difficult to overstate the importance of such learning and friendships that will form among those who will include future leaders of the world.”

Steve Orlins, President, National Committee on U.S.-China Relations: “As president of the National Committee on U.S.-China relations, I urge Americans every day to increase their understanding of China and contribute in a meaningful way to the global relationship that will play the biggest role in promoting peace and prosperity in the 21^st century. Steve Schwarzman’s transformative gift to Tsinghua University and the creation of this program will educate future leaders from America and around the world about China and help ensure a productive U.S.-China relationship. I salute his generosity, vision and contribution to constructive Sino-American relations!”

Professor Susanne Weigelin-Schwiedrzik- Vice-Rector for Research and Career Development, University of Vienna: “The world has to understand China, and China has to understand the world. The Schwarzman Scholars at Tsinghua University in Beijing will have the opportunity to gain an in depth understanding of China and the world. They will develop a leadership style which will contribute to making the world capable to integrate China and China capable to integrate into the world. With China rising to global power status, not only by its size, but more importantly by its growing economic and military impact, the Schwarzman Scholars initiative is of major importance for the future global political, economic and cultural development. Therefore I feel proud and honored to be asked to contribute my experience in academic exchange with the PRC to this initiative.”

Dr. Pauline Yu, President, American Council of Learned Societies in New York: “As the world seems to grow smaller each day, our knowledge of it and of each other must grow larger. The Schwarzman Scholars program will help students advance that goal. As a member of its Academic Advisory Council, I look forward to seeing this ambitious new effort fulfill its great promise.”

Xinsheng Zhang, Former Vice Minister of Education: “Congratulations to the launch of Schwarzman Scholars which demonstrates devotion to human civilization and progress. The program will undoubtedly become one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions as it educates talented elite and future leaders responsible for global challenges.”

Financial Supporters:

Iain Conn, Managing Director of BP plc.: “BP is very pleased to be a Cornerstone Partner in the Schwarzman Scholars Program. Enhancing the understanding between China and the World through the development of Chinese and international talent at Tsinghua University will be invaluable over time to all international institutions with Chinese interests, and therefore also to BP. This involvement also deepens BP's long-standing collaboration with Tsinghua University.

“BP is honored to be supporting the Schwarzman Scholars Program, and in doing so deepening our commitment to China's future through the advancement of education and international relationships. Together we hope to build a unique platform for future leaders to gain real-life global experiences and have interaction with political, business and thought leaders, with the vision of fostering greater understanding and more meaningful dialogue between China and the world. Through our involvement, BP will assist in advising the School, support 14 BP Fellows each year as part of the program, and engage with successive cadres of Scholars.

“Through our involvement, BP will assist in advising the School, support for 14 BP Fellows each year as part of the program, and engaging with successive cadres of Scholars.”

W. James McNerney, Jr, Chairman, President and CEO, The Boeing Company: “Collaboration is a bridge that enables the United States and China to grow and prosper together. Boeing supports the Schwarzman Scholars program because it will help develop future leaders with global sensibilities and further strengthen the ties between our two countries.”

Matthew Koder, President, Asia Pacific, Bank of America Merrill Lynch: “At Bank of America Merrill Lynch, we recognize that economic growth and prosperity are fueled by the power of global connections. We’re honored to partner with Tsinghua University to support the Schwarzman Scholars program to help develop the next generation of leaders empowered with strong financial acumen and cultural understanding.”

Patrick Soon-Shiong, Founder, The Chan Soon-Shiong Family Foundation: “The Chan Soon-Shiong Family Foundation is honored to support the Schwarzman Scholars Program to foster a greater understanding in the areas of international relations, science, medicine, and the arts. We believe positive relationships between the United States and China will be enhanced by these bright and energetic young men and women through the study, unique experience, and culturally interdisciplinary work. We are privileged to promote this important collaboration between our countries.”

Denis O’Brien, Chairman, Digicel: “I am delighted to support the Schwarzman Scholars programme because I believe its vision to explore and understand the economic, political and cultural factors that have established China as an ever-growing international entity is extremely important. Our own experience in China, through our investment in Saon and China HR (formally owned by Monster.com) has provided us with an insight into the real opportunities there are for international investors in China right now as China continues to grow and expand its economy. This Schwarzman Scholars programme, which will be accessible for students not just from Ireland but also from England, Scotland and Wales is a really exciting opportunity for students to obtain an in-depth knowledge in the areas of education, culture and business in China.”

Joseph M. Tucci, Chairman and CEO, EMC Corporation: “EMC is pleased to support the Schwarzman Scholars program’s commitment to bring together future leaders from around the world to explore and understand the educational, economic, and cultural factors contributing to China's continued growth. It’s an honor for EMC to be involved with such a prestigious and innovative program, and we’re confident in the positive impact that will be felt globally.”

David T. Seaton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Fluor Corporation: “As a global leader providing engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance and project management services for complex capital projects around the world, we recognize the importance of developing a talent pool of diverse individuals who understand the economic, political and cultural factors in building and maintaining multifaceted relationships. The Schwarzman Scholars program is poised to help meet that need and we are pleased to be supporters of the initiative.”

James B. Lee, Jr., Vice Chairman, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.: “J.P. Morgan and the Schwarzman Scholars program share the same goal of developing a strong network of young leaders to carry the torch for Chinese-American relations and encourage economic cooperation. We commend Steve for his extraordinary vision.”

Margarita Louis-Dreyfus: “I am very excited to support Steve Schwarzman’s great charity and efforts in founding the Schwarzman Scholars Program. I have a firm hope and belief that a greater collaboration between Western Countries and China must start with education and bringing students to China.”