The AAC’s 10th Anniversary Celebration was a big success as numerous friends and participants of the AAC’s  many programs took part in the activities, which included an open house, a Chancellor’s Global Forum on World Food Issues and a Future Asian Issues Symposium.  The Anniversary culminated in a gala reception at the MU Alumni Center. On hand for the reception were Chancellor Brady Deaton and Dr. Handy Williamson, Vice Provost for International Affairs and Strategic Initiatives. Awards were given to five special guests.


PROFILES of award winners of those who have honored and contributed to the AAC’s  mission.

Jerry Nelson has visited South Korea more than twenty times.  He is sometimes referred to as the “godfather” of Korea because of his work on numerous projects linking the University of Missouri and both North and South Korea.  His knowledge, expertise, and commitment have been long recognized by the Korean government and many South Korean Universities.

Hsiao-Mei Wiedmeyer is the President of Columbia friends of China, a new organization which works to improve relationships between Columbians and  Chinese in Shandong Province.  Not only is she the instigator of this relationship which has resulted in Laoshan, Shandong Province being named Columbia’s sister city, she has also encouraged the club to work toward providing Chinese language studies in the public school system, arranged cultural exchanges, and supported Chinese students and scholars with a “home away from home” on numerous holidays.

Sanda Hodge receives the award for her work with Thailand.  She has arranged numerous exchanges between the University of Missouri and the Universities of Thailand.  Currently she is working with the State Department to implement.





Joseph Hobbs is recognized for his work with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.  He has gone to Vietnam  seven times during the past few years to staff educational recruiting fairs, and further the effort of the University’s Vietnamese iniative.  He has even turned part of his office into a “Center”  where the graduate students work on linking Missouri and Vietnam.


John Wedman enjoys a long and esteemed reputation as the man responsible for many relationships between Taiwan and the University’s educational department.

He has helped put Missouri on the map by creating positive relationships with some of the best Universities in this nation.


Martin Holman’s passion and commitment to the relationship between Japan and the University is recognized.  As a front-line asstant professor, he teaches Japanese in the Russian and Germanic Studies Department.  He continues to draw large numbers to classes, while working.







1. Chancellor Brady Deaton was on hand to celebrate the AAC’s 10th year.
2. Visitors to the AAC open house enjoyed good conversation, a slide and video show, and some good food as they visited and toured the center.




The Chancellor’s Global Forum on World Food Issues brought together various experts who discussed the challenges and issues facing the global future.




Jade Li provided traditional entertainment at the reception.


The reception was done with much style and elegance.