Solidifying the Carlson School's Global Reach

This past April, Ant Financial Services President and 2005 China Executive MBA alum Eric Jing and wife, Janny, made history with a $5 million gift to strengthen the Carlson School’s ties to China. It is the largest gift ever to the University of Minnesota from mainland China. The broad impact of the gift is felt across the school, as evidenced by the following thoughts:

“I am very privileged to be the first MBA candidate sponsored by Eric Jing’s endowment. I greatly appreciate this generous help which facilitates my career pursuit. With this valuable support, more Chinese students are able to access world-class business training and more opportunities to further career development. I believe Eric is making a sustainable and meaningful impact on the relationship between the Carlson School and China."

“I was truly honored to be named the inaugural recipient of this professorship. Like any other professorship, this was a highly regarded recognition of my accomplishments as a professor. But I felt this special gift goes beyond that. Since the Carlson school started the CHEMBA program in 2001, we have graduated many executive students who have now become very successful in various business areas in China. What Eric has done has strategic importance in strengthening our relationships with both CHEMBA alumni and the business community in China."

“Eric has been a transformative leader at Ant Financial, providing millions the opportunity for financial inclusion. Today he has also become a transformative philanthropist with his gift. More students will be able to follow his path into our CHEMBA program, the doors of the Carlson School will be open to more students from China, and more academic exchange between our faculty and PhD students and their researchers will strengthen business relations.”

“With Eric and Janny’s support we have the opportunity to further our presence in China. We can expand the reach of our CHEMBA program in Guangzhou through scholarships that help offset the cost of travel from different cities. Through these scholarships we are already attracting students from Shanghai and Shenzen. The support for the Antai-Carlson Research Center will benefit faculty and doctoral students at both the Antai College of Economics and Management at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Carlson School of Management.”

“The gift from Eric and Janny is significant for reasons beyond its size. For years, the Carlson School has been working tirelessly to forge relationships in China and elsewhere around the world. This deep engagement has revolved around our desire to truly establish a global mindset among the Carlson School’s faculty and students. In many ways, this gift is validation of these efforts. I am excited to see what the future holds as more doors will now be opened for Chinese students to come to Minnesota while also enabling the exchange of ideas between our faculty and Chinese scholars and business leaders. This is beyond relationship building and into the realm of true partnerships designed to yield results.”

“The University of Minnesota takes great pride in its longstanding relationship with China. Since 1914, when we welcomed the first students from China to our campus, more than 10,000 Chinese students have become our alumni. I am pleased to be among the five University presidents who have led delegations to Greater China, strengthening our ties with Chinese universities, students, alumni, and businesses.

“Eric Jing is one of our many talented and distinguished alumni in China. He and his wife, Janny, have made a generous gift that will continue to strengthen the Carlson School’s relationship with China, supporting students, faculty, and programs for years to come. It will enhance intellectual exchange and help expand the horizons of students in both Minnesota and China, preparing them to become truly global citizens. We are very grateful for the Jings’ support and I am honored to call them friends of the University.”