Portland State University Alumni News It started in the early 19th century when the Northwest's beaver and olter pelts were loaded onto ships at Astoria for the long trans-Pacific voyage to China. In far-off Canton, silk, spices, tea and porcelain awaited the American traders. Now, after a 3D-year break in trade and diplomatic relations, the doors to mainland China are open again. China wants modern technology and Oregon wants a way out of its economic slump, so friendships are being made. Asia already accounts for 80 percent of Oregon's international trade (half of it with Japan), but the state is buzzing with excitement about the opening of the China market. And Portland State University seems to be taking a lead in the business of forming ties. Jim Manning and Jay Shimada of PSU's School of Business traveled with Oregon's first semi-official trade mission to Fujian Province last spring, helping to set the stage for an upcoming trip by the Governor to sign a sister state agreement. In the meantime, PSU President Joseph Blumel traveled to Henan Province to formalize a sister university agreement with Zhengzhou University. Three PSU graduate students are already teaching at Zhengzhou and Chinese students and faculty are on their way here. As trade delegations criss-cross the Pacific and academic exchanges are established, Oregonians find themselves wanting to know more about the culture that is suddenly so accessible. Some want only to avoid gaffs when sharing food, conversation and business details, whi Ie others are chOOSing to devote their lives to the study of East Asia. Portland State is wisely positioning itself to meet these needs with ever-widening coursework in Asian Studies and a proposed international studies degree program. The rose and the bambooentwining in a favorable new climate--- are being tended in the gardens of Portland State. -The Editor Summer 1984 Jlsian Overtures Asian Studies: PSU enchances its offerings as the Northwest gears up for Pacific Rim trade and cultural exchange. page two Jim Manning: PSU marketing professor has been talking international trade for 25 years, and now people are listening. page three Theonie Gilmore ('78 MA): Director of MUSIC (Center for the Preservation of Endangered Arts) finds the arts are alive in Afghan refugee camps. page five PSU and Zhengzhou: Two urban universities 10,000 miles apart agree to trade students, faculty and friendship. page eight Jews of Kaifeng: Almost a millenium ago, Jewish traders settled in a remote city in China. This fall, a descendant is coming to PSU to study her people's culture. page nine Plus: Alum works with Asian refugees; David James Duncan ('73) and his first novel; Spring Commencement photos; new alumni column; calendar; AlumNotes, and more. Cover illustration by Nancy Olson Chinese calligraphy by Min Shen
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