Asian Studies Homecoming: The Impacts of Earning a Degree in Asian Studies

Professor Emeritus, Pak-Wah Edwin Leung, Ph.D., addresses the audience. 

On October 2, 2023, the Asian Studies Program hosted a celebratory event that brought together students, alumni, and professors. The night highlighted the positive experiences that attendees had within the Asian Studies Program and emphasized how it has positively impacted their lives, as well as the lives of others. Heartwarming speeches and presentations delivered by the speakers made it clear that the Asian Studies Program is an extraordinary program that every student at Seton Hall should consider.

The night's overarching message showed students that proficiency in multiple languages and cultures is essential in today's world. Participating in the Asian Studies Program can help unlock numerous opportunities and provide a comprehensive understanding of various cultures, traditions, and languages. Pursuing a degree in Asian Studies can be life-changing. Graduates from this program continue contributing to a more globalized world by engaging with Asia's diverse cultures through pursuing a degree in Asian Studies.

Notable individuals from the Asian Studies program highlighted the significant positive impacts of such engagement at this Homecoming event:

Gabriella Robinson: A Global Perspective through Chinese Culture

Robinson is currently an undergraduate student majoring in Diplomacy while simultaneously studying Intermediate Chinese. As an undergraduate student, she already has impressive accomplishments under her belt and is actively impacting the world; she is truly an example of how an Asian Studies degree can lead to great opportunities. Her journey in this field led her to intern with the White House and a non-profit organization. Robinson attributes her success to the unique insights she acquired through learning Chinese culture and language. This education has allowed her the opportunity to develop a sense of respect for all groups of people, which she applies to her niche in foreign policy. Robinson's story demonstrates that pursuing an Asian Studies degree can open the doors for students to international work.

Wei Xiang, an Asian Studies alumna, now a Ph.D. student of Religion at Temple University.

Anne Giblin Gedacht, Ph.D.: Sharing Expertise and Passion

Giblin Gedacht, a recently tenured professor at Seton Hall University who holds a joint appointment in History and Asian Studies, exemplifies how pursuing an Asian Studies degree can lead to a lifelong devotion and a fulfilling career in the field. Her extensive knowledge and expertise in Asian cultures and traditions have enabled her to share her passion for the subject with the academic community. Obtaining a degree in Asian Studies not only enriches one's own life but also offers the opportunity to inspire future generations to come.

Ian Murphy: A Personalized Learning Experience

Ian Murphy, a graduate majoring in Diplomacy and Modern Languages, also contributed an article to the book Reflections on Mainland China and Taiwan—which was edited by Professor Michael Stone, who specializes in China and Taiwan—and emphasizes the personalized approach provided by the Asian Studies program. Murphy details how the close interaction with professors and the individualized guidance he received equipped him with the skills to work on translating Chinese materials for the American market. This exemplifies how pursuing a degree in Asian Studies offers a tailored education, which can lead to unique career opportunities.

Michael Stone: Bridging Cultures through Literature

Michael Stone, the former Director of the Global Learning Center, also graduated from our Graduate Program in Asian Studies. He edited the book Reflections on Mainland China and Taiwan; his endeavor to write this book is a testament to the impact of a degree in Asian Studies on fostering cultural understanding. As the previous Director of the Global Learning Center, he emphasizes the importance of diverse cultural backgrounds and languages in the workplace. His work illustrates how Asian Studies graduates can contribute to bridging cultural gaps through literature and shared knowledge.

Chinese language teacher, Ted McGurrin, speaks about his time in the Asian Studies program.

Pak-Wah Edwin Leung, Ph.D.: A Lifetime of Scholarship

Leung is a retired faculty from the Asian Studies Program at Seton Hall. He has had a remarkable career as a professor of Asian Studies, spanning over 40 years. His unwavering commitment to teaching and scholarship has positively impacted the lives of thousands of students globally. His lasting legacy highlights the significant impact that pursuing a degree in Asian Studies can have on aspiring scholars and educators.

Diana Alvarez, Ph.D.: A Multilingual and Cross-Cultural Advantage

Alvarez, faculty of Spanish and Chair of the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, emphasizes the benefits of having knowledge and experience in diverse cultures and languages. She highlights how these skills can open up numerous opportunities in the workplace. Obtaining a degree in Asian Studies provides graduates with an advantage of comprehending the significance of cultural and linguistic diversity in the current global job market.

Earning a degree in Asian Studies is an enlightening journey that equips individuals with a profound understanding of diverse cultures and languages. The experiences shared by students, graduates, and professors alike demonstrate the far-reaching positive impacts of obtaining an Asian Studies degree. From promoting international diplomacy to making scholarly contributions, Asian Studies graduates play a crucial role in fostering cultural understanding and collaboration in our increasingly interconnected world. This degree opens doors to a range of fulfilling and impactful careers while promoting a deeper appreciation for the richness and beauty of Asian cultures. 

Categories: Arts and Culture