On Wednesday (March 29), Hong Lei, consul general of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago, and his staff visited Purdue University. This was his first courtesy visit to Purdue. Wei Hong, associate dean for faculty affairs in the College of Liberal Arts, director of the Confucius Institute, director of Chinese language program and professor of applied linguistics in Purdue’s School of Languages and Cultures at Purdue University served as host.
While on campus, the group wanted to highlight the Purdue Polytechnic Institute. After meeting with Robert Cox, associate dean for globalization and interim associate dean for undergraduate programs in Purdue Polytechnic, the group toured the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology and the airport facilities. Vicki Gilbert, recruiting, placement and internship coordinator, along with Colin Gifford, aviation student ambassador, greeted the group at the Niswonger Aviation Technology building. They were able to see Niswonger, Hanger 1, and the Powerplant lab facilities. The tour concluded with a stop in Hangar 5 where they were able to view the Nextant 400 XTI and Embraer Phenom 100.