Galloway, N.J. – Stockton welcomed some international guests when officials from Atlantic City's sister-city Zhanjiang, China, visited Atlantic City and Stockton University on May 31 and June 1. 

The five member delegation led by the President of Zhanjiang Overseas Friendship Association, Mr. Zhong Li, were traveling as part of a North American Tour, with stops in Canada, USA and Mexico.

Associate vice president for Academic Affairs Michelle McDonald, and Assistant Dean of students for Atlantic City Haley Baum, greeted the delegation, along with Mayor Gilliam of Atlantic City, Mr. Muhammad Ayub, deputy chief of staff, Council Jimmy Cheng, and Mr. Jeffree Fauntleroy II, Councilman-at-Large.

The delegation received a tour of Stockton’s new Atlantic City campus along with two additional Chinese American Businessmen, Mr. Peter Liang and Mr. Ricky Hoang. The group met with members of the Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce after their tour.

The delegation traveled to Stockton’s Galloway campus on June 1 where they had a luncheon and tour of the Academic Quad buildings. Stockton participants included McDonald and Baum, plus  Elizabeth Calamidas, Interim Dean, School of Health Sciences; Yibin Feng, International Student Advisor, Office of Global Engagement; Brian K. Jackson, Chief Operating Officer, Stockton Atlantic City campus; Alex Marino,  Director of Operations, Stockton Atlantic City campus;  Lori Vermeulen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Peter Straub, Dean, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and Edward Walton, Associate Dean, School of Health Sciences.

This is the second time that representatives from Zhanjiang have visited Atlantic City and met with Stockton officials. The delegation is highly interested in developing cultural exchange opportunities for their students, faculty and Stockton’s as well. 

“Atlantic City hopes that by having those students come to Stockton, it will lead to Chinese families considering Atlantic City as a place for second homes and business investment and development,” Jackson said.

Business Studies and Marine Sciences seemed to be the central programs of interest.

Members of the Chinese delegation in addition to President Zhong Li are: Liang Chunming, director of Zhanjiang Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Bureau, Han Peifeng, standing member of Zhanjiang Overseas Friendship Association, Wang Fang, Vice Section Chief of Zhanjiang Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Bureau and Mao Ying, interpreter of Zhanjiang Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Bureau.

“It was clear that they see Stockton as a great opportunity for their students and Atlantic City as an upcoming place ripe with opportunity,” said Jackson. ”Mr. Zhong Li said he would be pleased to send his son to Stockton.”

_Reported by Jessica Jacob