Dean Vinzé cuts ribbon at George Mason University’s new Viet Nam exhibition

To mark the beginning of a broader academic connection between George Mason University and leading universities in Viet Nam, the Costello College of Business at George Mason University and University Libraries officially opened a special exhibition in partnership with the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and received their donation of rare books to Mason's collection. The exhibition, displayed in Fenwick Library’s Special Collections Research Center through August 15 consists of treasured cultural artifacts.  

On the morning of Tuesday, March 26, in Fenwick Library’s Reading Room, the ceremony commenced with a dancer performing the traditional lotus dance—the lotus being the national flower of Viet Nam. Following her performance, several women demonstrated the traditional costumes of Viet Nam from various regions and eras.

JK Aier, senior associate dean of academic affairs and global engagement at the Costello College of Business, welcomed the guests to the ceremony. Among the dignitaries from the Viet Nam delegation were Honorable Madam Vu Thi Bich Ngoc, the foreign minister’s spouse; Honorable Madam Nguyen Thuy Hong, deputy chief of mission of Viet Nam Embassy; and Honorable Madam Tran Thi Bich Van, ambassador’s spouse.

Mason leaders in attendance included Ajay Vinzé, dean of the Costello College of Business; Anne Osterman, dean of University Libraries and university librarian; and Krista Uhrig, director of international enrollment partnerships in the Global Education Office. Also attending and instrumental in making the event possible were Anil Sharma, CEO of 22nd Century Technologies Inc; Sean Lam, president of Cross Border Ventures LLC and member of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce; and Cindy Shao, president of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce.

“I am delighted to be here with you today as it marks the start and acceleration of a strong partnership between George Mason University and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam,” said Dean Vinzé, as he thanked the Viet Nam dignitaries for the gift. “The exhibition we will soon officially open, and the wonderful book donation will allow Mason faculty and students to get better acquainted with Viet Nam and strengthen our relationship.”

Dean Vinzé welcomed Honorable Madam Vu Thi Bich Ngoc to the stand for her keynote remarks on behalf of the embassy, as she expressed her gratitude and her excitement for the partnership that will empower students to learn more about Viet Nam and its rich history. Mason currently has 114 students enrolled from Viet Nam, with many more students of Vietnamese heritage. The exhibit continues the university’s tradition of celebrating and educating about different cultures within its diverse student body.

After the gift exchange between the embassy guests and deans, the crowd proceeded to the Special Collections Research Center for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. There, they toured the exhibit, viewing and learning about the displayed artifacts. Housed within the largest and most diverse public university in Virginia, the Costello College of Business continues to build new partnerships that have impact spanning across the world.