On March 30, Consul General James Heller, the Consul General of the U.S. Consulate in Shanghai and 1991–1992 Hopkins-Nanjing Center (HNC) alumnus, visited Nanjing University.

Consul General James Heller returned to HNC to speak with the teachers and students. Dr. Huang Haifeng, his former roommate, also returned to HNC. Director Cong Cong welcomed the alumni to return to the HNC community and praised Consul General James Heller and Dr. Huang Haifeng’s 30-year-friendship as a typical representation of the relationships cultivated by the “cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural, cross-language and cross-border” and “co-learning, co-living, co-growing, and co-development” models of HNC.

“HNC is a very important educational cooperation program for both the United States and China.” Consul General James Heller recalled his experience of living and studying at HNC, believing that HNC is a pioneer in people-to-people communication and educational exchanges. He praised HNC as a model of exchange that enhances mutual trust, builds consensus, promotes cooperation, and deepens friendships. HNC plays a very important role in China’s exchanges with the United States and the rest of the world. “In my experience, an American who has a Chinese roommate and goes on to learn Chinese history, politics, and culture is a crucial model of people-to-people communication. I believe this is important, and we must continue to promote it.” Consul General James Heller believed that the model of foreign and Chinese students becoming roommates deepens mutual understandings and tolerances, promotes mutual growth and development, and creates a people-to-people exchange in practice. He stressed that the United States and China should maintain such exchanges to advocate diversity, openness, and inclusivity in the world.

Consul General James Heller shared the people-to-people exchange between him and his roommate, Dr. Huang Haifeng. “One of the fondest memories at HNC is my roommate. Haifeng not only helped me improve my Chinese language but also increased my understanding of Chinese culture and customs. During one Chinese New Year, he invited me to his hometown, Chengdu, to celebrate with his family. I really felt the Chinese Spring Festival atmosphere! Then he showed me around and taught me more about the beautiful city. We are not only roommates but also good friends. What I especially cherish and appreciate is that even after 30 years, we still maintain our friendship with each other. My son met Haifeng for the first time a few years ago at HNC’s 30th anniversary celebration and was very impressed with him. My son told me, ‘You’re so lucky that you had a great roommate!’ I completely agree!”

Consul General James Heller and Dr. Huang Haifeng recreated a photo in their former dormitory 31 years ago

Afterward, students enthusiastically asked questions. Professor Hua Tao and Professor Paul Armstrong-Taylor also talked with Consul General James Heller. Consul General James Heller praised China’s development over the past 40 years of reform and opening up. He looked forward to the further development of Sino-US cooperation in trade, green energy research, and other areas. He encouraged the students of HNC to remain optimistic and confident and to engage in and promote people-to-people exchanges. He also shared with students the uniqueness of diplomats’ career choices and family life. Finally, Consul General James Heller presented the American National Park album to HNC. Director Cong Cong displayed the album and commented, “We will get to see the beauty of America’s national parks.” As a return gift, Director Cong Cong and Deputy Director John Urban represented HNC to present him with a cultural shirt and a mysterious gift, which was the graduation photo of Consul General James Heller and Dr. Huang Haifeng that year. They found themselves in the graduation photos and showed off the photo with a big smiles, and everyone couldn’t help but applaud and laugh for them.