KU News Release

KU students experience China’s growing economic power

LAWRENCE — Eleven University of Kansas graduate students learned firsthand how to tap into the growing power of China’s economic market during a recent study abroad trip organized by the School of Business. The students spent two weeks in Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai.

Justin Lueger, a master’s of business administration student from Seneca, said the experience helped him better understand the power of China in the global economy.

“In China, seeing is believing,” Lueger said. “My professors have talked at length about the emergence of China and the impact it will have on the world. But it wasn’t until I visited the country that I fully understood why.”

Students learned how to adapt U.S. business to Chinese corporate and social culture by attending lectures and meeting with executives from corporations including AECOM-Maunsell, Black and Veatch Energy and Invista. Students also visited government institutions, toured a textile factory and listened in on the latest plans for Beijing’s Internet promotions of the 2008 Olympics.

The China Connection study abroad program is provided each year by the School of Business’ Institute for International Business and Center for International Business Education and Research. This program prepares business students to become global leaders by gaining a personal understanding of what it takes to enter and operate within the Chinese market. Tailan Chi, associate professor of business and program director, accompanied the students.

“The Chinese people are every bit as proud, loyal and united as we are in the U.S.,” said Lueger. “That single kernel of knowledge goes a long way in explaining the rapid rate of growth and positive change occurring in China today, which was the focus of our two-week study abroad trip.”

Student participants are listed below by hometown, major and program and, when available, parents’ names and previous schools attended.

BARTON COUNTY
From Great Bend 67530
Alyson Collins, master’s degree student in business administration, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Karl Sprague; bachelor’s degree in journalism (news and information) from KU, spring 2003; Great Bend High School.

COFFEY COUNTY
From Waverly 66871
Anthony Houchin, master’s degree student in business administration, son of Anthony and Yvonne Houchin; bachelor’s degree in economics from KU, spring 2006; Baldwin High School.

FORD COUNTY
From Dodge City 67801
Darin Olivarez, master’s degree student in accounting, son of Ron and Mendy Olivarez; bachelor’s degree in accounting from KU, spring 2008; Dodge City Senior High School.

JEFFERSON COUNTY
From Ozawkie 66070
Thomas Sanford, master’s degree student in business administration; bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Olathe 66062
Zachary Combs, master’s degree student in business administration; bachelor’s degree from Truman State University, Kirksville, Mo.

Chi-Man (Stephanie) Ma, master’s degree student in business administration; bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa.

From Overland Park 66213
Mary Perez, master’s degree student in international studies; bachelor’s degree from Baker University.

NEMAHA COUNTY
From Seneca 66538
Justin Lueger, master’s degree student in business administration, son of Edward and Sharon Lueger; bachelor’s degree in journalism (news and information) from KU, spring 2005; Nemaha Valley High School.

PRATT COUNTY
From Pratt 67124
T’Lane Briggeman, master’s degree student in accounting, daughter of Stuart and Teri Briggeman; bachelor’s degree in accounting from KU, spring 2008; Skyline High School.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka 66610
Jeff Aleshire, master’s degree student in business administration, son of Joe and Janet Aleshire; bachelor’s degree in business (finance) from KU, spring 2006; Washburn Rural High School.

WASHINGTON
From Port Ludlow 98365
Michael Wilson, master’s degree student in business administration; bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University.

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