Confucius - Fairfax, Virginia - Gifts from Other Countries on Waymarking.com

"The statue of Confucius (551-479 B.C.), a famous Chinese philosopher and thinker, has stood on Mason’s lawn since April 2008. Donated by the Confucian Academy of China, it stands as a symbol of “friendship and shared values,” according to the plaque on the statue.

The statue is approximately 11 feet tall and weighs two tons and “demonstrates a foundation upon which our university will build international educational and cultural enrichment. It also serves as a visible symbol of our broad cultural awareness and support within the student, staff, and faculty body,” said the School of Public Policy’s managing director, Keith Segerson.

In 2009 the Confucius Institute (CI) at Mason opened. CI, a partnership between Confucius Institute Headquarters and Beijing Language and Culture University (BCLU), offers non-credit educational programs about Chinese language and culture, some of which are free.

Professor of Public and International Affairs John N. Paden said that the CI "added on to the general university priority of raising awareness of Chinese culture and language." Paden added that it was advantageous for Mason to be provided with teaching supplies and teachers from BCLU.

Confucius was a Chinese sage famous for his philosophical teachings in East Asia that dealt with ethics, which has come to be labeled as Confucianism. It is sometimes affiliated with religion.

One famous quote that Confucius is known for is "choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."" - From weblink below

South facing Plaque:
CONFUCIUS
(551-479 BCE)
Presented to George Mason University by:
The Confucian Academy of Hong Kong, China
The Peoples Republic of China

University Sponsor:
The Mason Enterprise Center at the School of Public Policy

Project Sponsor:
Keith B. Segerson
Dedicated in recognition of valued partnerships in business, entrepreneurship and education

April 9, 2008

George Mason University
Dr. Alan G. Merten, President
Dr. Peter N. Stearns, Provost

School of Public Policy &
The Mason Enterprise Center (MEC)
Dr. Kingsley E. Haynes, Dean
Dr. Roger R. Stough, Associate Dean & Director MEC
Keith B. Segerson, Assistant Dean & Managing Director MEC

North Facing Plaque
CONFUCIUS
(551-479 BCE)

Presented to the George Mason University Community
In a Spirit of Friendship and Shared Values

The Confucian Academy of Hong Kong, China
Tong Yun Kai, President

Jiang Boyu, Sculpter
Qingdao, China

In Cooperation with
Culture to Culture International
Fairfax, VA
Sheri Yi, President

April 9, 2008

Country or International City that Gave the Gift: Hong Kong, China Country or International City that Received the Gift: Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America Website Verifying this Item as a Gift from Another Country or International City: [Web Link]

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