TABA to establish alumni chapter in Shanghai
The number of Freeman School alumni in the People’s Republic of China has grown to nearly 400 in recent years, comprising a large, diverse group of business, government and community leaders. In January, the Tulane Association of Business Alumni (TABA) will pay tribute to the business school’s growing footprint in Asia with the establishment of a new chapter in Shanghai.
The Shanghai Chapter of TABA — the association’s first new international chapter in 20 years — will sponsor networking events, promote the Freeman School and Tulane University in Shanghai, and serve as a hub and resource for Freeman alumni throughout eastern China. A ceremony and reception recognizing the chartering of the chapter will take place on Friday, Jan. 9, at Shanghai's Grand Swissotel. All Freeman School alumni interested in being part of this historic event are invited to RSVP at freemanshanghai.eventbrite.com.
“One of the goals we outlined as part of last year’s strategic planning process was to expand our alumni outreach in China,” says Peggy Babin, associate dean for external relations. “The establishment of a TABA chapter in Shanghai will enable us to better support and serve the interests of our graduates in China, which boasts our fastest-growing alumni population in the world.”
The chartering ceremony is being held in conjunction with another major event designed to serve the Freeman School’s growing number of Chinese constituents. The West to East Career Expo, which will take place from Jan. 6 - 9 also at the Grand Swissotel, is a networking and recruiting event for Chinese nationals studying business at Tulane, Rice University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the University of Southern California. About 100 students will have the opportunity to network, attend company information sessions and interview for jobs in China.
“This event is a ground-breaking approach in serving our international student population,” says Leonard Williams, director of the Freeman School’s Career Management Center. “Although many of our international alumni have been successful in gaining employment on their own when they return to their home country, this event will make that process easier and possibly more efficient for them.”
In conjunction with the expo, the Freeman School will host a networking reception for Freeman School students and alumni in China on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the Grand Swissotel. The reception is being modeled on Freeman Days events, so participation from alumni is essential to its success. Any Freeman School alumni interested in attending should RSVP at freemanshanghainetworking.eventbrite.com as soon as possible.
