Rochester Institute of Technology China trip collection

Collection — Folder: 3

Identifier: RITArc-0034

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Rochester Institute of Technology China trip collection contains materials related to the 1978 trip. A majority of the collection is made up of articles and clippings on the topic, as well as on the educational ties with China following the trip. Additionally, there are materials from events following the trip, such as an invitation to the "A Visit to China" exhibit, a flyer for a seminar titled "The China Experience," and a series of published images titled "RIT Goes to China."

Dates

Creation: 1977-1984

Language of Materials

Majority in English, some in French

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Historical Information

In January 1978, 15 individuals representing the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) traveled to the People's Republic of China. The trip was planned by the Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement Robert Frisina as a way for the university to establish relations with China. The hope was that the trip would increase RIT's exposure in the East and result in future exchange programs for faculty and students. Eight university officials attended the 18 day trip including university president Paul Miller, members of the Board of Trustees, and the deans of several colleges. The travelers arrived in Peking on January 10, 1978 and travelled to Nanking, Wushi, Shanghai, and Canton, visiting communes, schools, factories, and historic sites in the various cities.

At the time, foreign travel to China was highly restricted. It was estimated that only 15,000 outsiders had visited the country since the Shanghai Communique in 1972.

Extent

3 Folder(s)

Additional Description

Overview

Materials related to a trip to China by Rochester Institute of Technology officials in January 1978. The trip was meant to establish relations between the university and the country. The collection consists mostly of articles and clippings about the trip, but also includes several items related to exhibits and presentations following the trip.