It all began with a chance encounter in 1993—a coffee meeting in Beijing between CU Denver’s Dr. Chao Li and Professor Fanxi Meng of China Agricultural University (CAU). From that serendipitous conversation emerged the International College Beijing (ICB) program, an educational partnership between CU Denver and CAU. Thirty years later, this pioneering initiative continues to change lives, proving the extraordinary impact of collaboration across continents.
Today, the ICB program is a beacon of opportunity for students who aspire to navigate the increasingly interconnected global landscape. Nestled within the bustling metropolis of Beijing, this partnership allows students to earn a CU Denver Bachelor of Arts degree in communication or economics, with courses taught in English by CU Denver faculty on CAU’s East Campus. ICB isn’t merely a degree-granting program but a life-changing experience that empowers students with a global mindset and practical skills for an ever-evolving workforce.
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Celebrating 30 Years of Connection
As ICB celebrates its 30th anniversary, it remains forward-looking, continually evolving to meet the needs of a changing world. This was highlighted during the ICB 30 Anniversary Celebration held on CU Denver’s campus in the Tivoli Student Union’s Turnhalle Hall on Nov. 18, 2024.
More than 160 students, faculty, and staff from both ICB and CU Denver— including ICB representatives Dean Li Daoliang, Wang Ning, and Liu Haihong, along with representatives from the Chinese Consul General of Los Angeles Guo Zhiqiang, Yang Lijun, and Guo Jin— gathered for an afternoon of historic remarks, authentic Chinese cuisine, and a traditional Chinese dance performance by the local Step Into Melody group. This event was a reflection of a similar gala held at the ICB campus on Oct. 19, 2024 where CU Denver leadership traveled to further support the partnership.
Interim Chancellor Ann Schmiesing and Dean Pam Jansma opened the CU Denver celebration with remarks about the importance of the milestone and the impact of a liberal arts education in creating global citizens. This was followed by remarks on the history of ICB by Dean Li Daoliang and a student perspective from student Yuki Wei. The event then welcomed Deputy Consul General Guo Zhiqiang for remarks on the value of this global connection.
CU Denver Provost Nakuma emphasized the role of technology in sustaining international partnerships. Virtual classrooms, AI-driven learning platforms, and digital collaboration tools are just some of the ways ICB is embracing innovation to enhance educational quality and accessibility. However, the program remains steadfast in its belief that technology can never replace the human relationships at its core.
An Education That Works for All
ICB’s philosophy reflects CU Denver’s core value: education that works for all. From its inception, the program has sought to break barriers, offering accessible, high-quality education to Chinese students who seek a global perspective without having to leave their home country. This approach reimagines the traditional “ivory tower” model, accommodating diverse learning needs and enabling students from various socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive.
The program’s impact is evident in the achievements of its alumni. More than 3,400 graduates have gone on to prestigious graduate programs at institutions like Yale, Cambridge, and Tsinghua University, and have secured positions at global giants such as Amazon, Google, and the World Bank. ICB equips its students not just with knowledge but with the tools to become leaders and changemakers in their industries.
Considered to be among the top cooperative educational programs in China, it serves as a model for how international partnerships can succeed through trust, adaptability, and shared purpose. Its graduates will continue to shape industries, communities, and nations—proof that millions of transformative moments truly do start here.
The ICB partnership was a trailblazer in Chinese-foreign educational cooperation, being one of the first programs of its kind approved by China’s Ministry of Education. Over the years, it has withstood challenges, including the SARS outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily shifted the program to remote learning. Yet, its resilience and adaptability have only strengthened its foundation.
As former CU Denver Provost Constancio Nakuma remarked, the program thrives because of its ability to embrace innovation while staying true to its human touch. From an initial class of just 12 students in 1994, it now welcomes around 240 new students each year. This expansion is a testament to its enduring relevance and the deep trust between CU Denver and CAU. The program’s success is rooted in shared goals: to deliver a cross-culturally relevant education and to cultivate graduates who can navigate complex global challenges.
Behind the statistics are the human stories that define ICB’s legacy. For many students, the program represents their first encounter with Western-style education, encouraging critical thinking and fostering creativity. Students learn to view the world through a global lens while grounding themselves in their own cultural identities.
Take, for instance, ICB graduate Li Wei (Class of 2016), who shared how the program gave her the confidence to pursue a master’s degree at the London School of Economics. “ICB taught me to think critically, embrace new ideas, and adapt to diverse environments,” she said. Today, Li works as a policy analyst in an international NGO, shaping programs that address global inequality. Her journey is one of countless examples of how ICB graduates are making tangible, positive impacts on the world.
The ICB program isn’t just about academic achievement—it’s about building a vibrant, inclusive community. Each year, faculty and students from CU Denver travel to Beijing, fostering cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. The program also serves as a gateway for students to continue their education in the U.S., spending their final years at CU Denver’s downtown campus. This dual experience helps students seamlessly transition between cultures, creating lifelong connections across borders. The Program also reflects CU Denver’s commitment to diversity and equity. By bringing together students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds, ICB cultivates an environment where everyone feels like they belong. It leverages the strengths of both American and Chinese educational philosophies to create a truly unique learning experience.
ICB is more than a program; it’s a bridge—linking cultures, expanding horizons, and unlocking potential. For CU Denver, it’s a reminder of the power of partnership. For its students, it’s a gateway to the world. And for the global community, it’s a testament to what’s possible when education transcends borders.
As we look to the next 30 years, the ICB program stands as a symbol alongside CU Denver as they strives to be a place where dreams meet determination, where innovation meets inclusion, and where education truly works for all.
For Junfei Liu, a senior at CU Denver's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences majoring in communication with minors in economics and mathematics, the path to higher education wasn’t just about academics. It was about breaking barriers, embracing new cultures, and building a foundation for a future brimming with possibility.Her story reflects the essence of CU Denver: a place where learners from all backgrounds find the support, opportunities, and inspiration to thrive.
Read Her Story