AEC's Mike Zheng Computer Lab Dedicated November 3, 2003

On Monday, November 3, 2003, former AEC student and KU graduate Mike Zheng was formally thanked for the new computers for the AEC computer lab. Mike is the owner of MicroTech Computers in Lawrence. He and his wife, Dana, donated 18 new computers for the LEO (Learning English On-Line) lab, which is a lab restricted to use by AEC students only.

KU's Provost, Dr. David Shulenburger, thanked Mike on behalf of the university. Dr. Shulenburger said that many KU graduates from other countries have told him that the AEC is the foundation of their success both at KU and in their lives. He said that the new lab helps the AEC to continue to offer the strongest language learning program possible.

Dean of the Graduate Schools and International Programs, Dr. Diana Carlin, also thanked Mike for his dedication to KU and the AEC. She stated that the strength of the AEC is apparent in KU's classrooms when international students can be active participants because they have strong language skills. Their participation benefits not only the international students, but American students as well.

Also present was Jerome Davies, Vice President for Development at the KU Endowment Association. Mr. Davies said that generous gifts like the one from Mike and Dana strengthens KU by strengthening our teaching and academic programs. He added that gifts like this, that benefit international students, are particularly welcome.

Finally, AEC Director Chuck Seibel thanked Mike on behalf of the students, faculty and staff of the AEC for his generous gift. Mr. Seibel invited everyone to go into the hallway, and he unveiled a plaque outside the room. The plaque dedicates the room as the Mike Zheng Computer Lab.

  

Also present were several AEC faculty and staff members, and representatives of KU Study Abroad, the Office of International Programs, and the KU Endowment Association.

At the close, LEO Lab Director Mark Algren demonstrated some of the capabilities of the lab, and explained how the lab prepares AEC students for life as a KU student by teaching typing, word processing, PowerPoint and advanced Internet research skills. He also showed attendees the internationally-recognized LEO lab Web page.

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Page most recently modified August 18, 2004