Students Shine in Chinese and Japanese Interpretation Contests
| by Sierra Abukins
Middlebury Institute Translation and Interpretation students took home prizes at interpretation competitions held online and in Macau.
A Letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping
Not many Americans write letters to the president of China—and even fewer get a reply back.
But that is just what happened to John Easterbrook a few months ago. Easterbrook is the grandson of the American four-star general Joseph Stilwell, who served as commander of U.S. forces in China during WWII, where he developed a deep love for the Chinese people.
What is less well known is that his family and other supporters have been continuing Stilwell’s legacy by funding scholarships for students from mainland China to study at the Middlebury Institute since 1982. The committee selects scholars who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong character: they are honest and compassionate, and they aspire to help others.
Easterbrook mentioned the scholarship, among other cultural exchange activities, in his letter to Chinese president Xi Jinping.
Then in October, President Xi wrote him back, making headlines in China.
“The foundation of China-U.S. relations lies in the people, and the source of strength lies in people’s friendship,” Xi wrote.
“It’s an important message at an important time, highlighting the importance of people-to-people exchange,” said Professor Xiaoyan (Grace) Shen, who was herself a recipient of the Stilwell Scholarship when she attended the Institute in 2006–08 and who was recently awarded the Faculty Excellence Award.
Read the full piece in Monterey County Weekly:
For More Information
Related Stories
-
-
Students Experience Every Angle of Interpretation in Annual Cross-Language Consecutive Interpretation Event
| by Laura Burian, Charles Cai, and Xiaohui Hu
First-year translation and interpretation students from across multiple languages came together and broke down cultural barriers as they put their growing interpretation skills to test.
-
First In-Person Translation, Interpretation, and Localization Career Fair in Three Years Connects Employers, Alumni, and Students
| by Sarah Blackwell
Over 20 employers from across the language services industry came to Monterey to connect with students, many sending Institute alumni who shared tips with the next generation.
Video