News

Chinese Program Receives Boost

St. Louis University High School’s rich tradition in the foreign languages has received a boost from one of the school's faculty members. Dr. Ching-Ling Tai, who has led SLUH's Chinese program since 1987, has created a scholarship to further enhance cultural learning opportunities for selected students by enhancing the exchange program with China.

"SLUH's faculty is deeply committed to the intellectual and spiritual development of our young men," says SLUH President David J. Laughlin. "We are excited that some of our students who would not otherwise have the opportunity will now be able to experience Chinese culture firsthand through the generosity of Dr. Tai."

With the creation of this endowed scholarship, SLUH's exchange program and longstanding relationship with China will continue to prosper. The scholarship will supplement the cost of up to four students participating in a student exchange program with China annually during Spring Break.

Senior Zach Linneman and junior Andrew Hughes are the first beneficiaries of this scholarship award. They will participate in the trip to China this spring, March 10-24, 2007, along with juniors Matt Venker and Kristofer Sirevaag.

Dr. Tai, a leader in the local Chinese community, has taught Chinese at SLUH for 19 years. She travels to China annually with SLUH students for cultural and language enrichment. Since 1989, she has escorted various adult groups, civic- and SLUH-related, to China.

"My hope in starting this scholarship," says Dr. Tai, "is to allow more students the opportunity to experience China firsthand through a participation in our new exchange program during Spring Breaks, or through the summer excursions, or if possible even recent graduates from our Chinese classes wanting to extend their Chinese experience."

SLUH's strong tradition in the foreign language department is punctuated by a highly knowledgeable and committed faculty, as well as diverse offerings that include French, Greek, Latin, Russian and Spanish, in addition to Chinese.

"I am very thankful to teach Chinese at SLUH," Dr. Tai says. "The late Father Gerry Sheahan started our Chinese program in 1964. I appreciate his vision, especially seeing how the Chinese language has increased its importance in today's world."