Peking University, Oct.31, 2011: John Sexton, president of New York University (NYU), visited Shenzhen Graduate School of Peking University and delivered a lecture on the topic of “Higher Education in the Age of Globalization” on October 24.

President Sexton began his speech with great emphasis on the significance of innovation. He mentioned that School of Transnational Law of PKU is exactly the perfect demonstration of innovation and it impressed him a lot with its tremendous achievements. He shared his teaching experience, which he regarded as full of happiness, with the audience. ”I have to be with my students,” stated him.

President Sextion in the Q&A Section

Group photo of NYU President Sexton and staff of PKU School of Transnational Law

“Am I living a meaningful life?” and “am I making full use of my talent?” are the two questions frequently referred to by President Sexton to inspire students to find goals for their lives and get fully dedicated into achieving them. In the time of globalization, boundaries between countries are becoming less important, while interrelations between nations and people are getting closer. The interdependence in economy, politics, culture and ethics is more obvious than ever. “We cannot survive without others,” he stressed. Thus how to cope with the trend of globalization and become a global citizen is the primary issue we are now confronted with.

Taking NYU for example, he illustrated his opinion on the issue and emphasized the significant role that lawyers play in globalization. NYU has set up 16 branch campuses in six states, aiming at promoting a better understanding of different cultures for their students. In regard to the question of criteria raised by a student in the Q&A session, President Sexton explained that “It is the teachers’ expectation, not criteria ,that is the most important thing in the class”. “Students never fail, their teachers fail. Teachers must shoulder the responsibility of guiding their students to success,” he added.

Jefftey S. Lehman, dean of PKU School of Transnational Law, presented a gift to NYU President Sexton

At the end, Jeffrey S. Lehman, dean of PKU School of Transnational Law, presented President Sexton with a gift as an expression of gratitude and respect.

 
Written by: Fang Runiu
Edited by: Cao Yixing
Source: PKU NEWS