The HNU-ASU International College at Hainan University (HAIC) held an undergraduate thesis poster exhibition for the graduating class of 2025 on Hainan University’s Mission Hills campus on June 5. 

Themed “Co-Creation of Knowledge, Cross-Boundary Innovation”, the event showcased the achievements of the HAIC’s Sino-foreign cooperative education programs and brought together the original research of 77 teams from three majors: Tourism Development and Management, Public Service and Public Policy, and Parks and Recreation Management.

Participants of the undergraduate thesis poster exhibition for the class of 2025 pose for a group photo. [Photo/WeChat account: HAIC]

Wang Lin, dean of the HAIC, delivers an opening speech. [Photo/WeChat account: HAIC] 

The opening ceremony featured a speech by Wang Lin, dean of the HAIC, who encouraged graduates to cultivate global vision while remaining grounded in local practice. She urged students to become bridges for cross-cultural communication and affirmed that the HAIC will always be a strong support in their lives.

Kelly Sue Bricker, vice-dean of the HAIC, speaks at the opening ceremony of the thesis poster exhibition. [Photo/WeChat account: HAIC]

Kelly Sue Bricker, vice-dean of the HAIC, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary integration in advancing career development. She encouraged students to leverage their unique educational experiences at the HAIC — marked by cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary learning — and to boldly explore new ideas and solutions in their future academic and professional paths.

Dr Ivan P Lee speaks as a mentor representative. [Photo/WeChat account: HAIC]

Speaking on behalf of the faculty mentors, Dr Ivan P Lee praised the students for their innovative thinking and strong sense of social responsibility throughout the research process. He noted that these qualities — core to the HAIC’s vision of cultivating interdisciplinary talent — will serve as a solid foundation for students as they pursue greater academic and professional achievements.

Student representative Song Yizhuo delivers a speech. [Photo/WeChat account: HAIC] 

Student representative Song Yizhuo shared insights on personal growth through teamwork and academic exploration. By participating in team research projects, Song mastered interdisciplinary collaboration methods and enhanced ability to solve complex academic problems. 

“This experience not only improved my academic research skills but also deepened my understanding of the value of teamwork and responsibility. These abilities will lay a solid foundation for my future path,” Song said. 

The exhibition featured more than 70 original thesis posters covering a wide range of forward-looking topics, including cultural tourism, public administration optimization, rural vitalization, artificial intelligence and cultural heritage preservation. After rounds of review, several outstanding projects were recognized for their academic excellence and real-world impact.

A list of award-winning projects from the 2025 undergraduate thesis poster exhibition [Photo/WeChat account: HAIC]

The exhibition marked not only a key academic milestone for the graduating class of 2025, but also a new starting point for students as they step into a larger world. The event fully reflected the outcomes of the HAIC’s internationalized education philosophy and demonstrated the college’s strength in cultivating students’ innovation, practical skills and interdisciplinary literacy. The exhibition was well received by faculty, students and guests alike. 

Looking ahead, the HAIC will continue to build on the strong educational foundations of Hainan University and Arizona State University, working to nurture globally-minded, innovative talents.