On November 13, 2009, we had an early snowfall, which covered the campus in more snow than I have ever seen in my five years at Sias University. I couldn’t resist getting some photos before the students trampled it all. Photos by Gary L. Todd, Ph.D., Professor of History, Sias International University, Xinzheng, Henan, China. http://picasaweb.google.com/GaryLeeTodd/SiasInTheSnow#

Every fall Sias University hosts an International Culture Week featuring a different part of the world each day. Teachers and students from the featured lands set up displays in Italian Square, present talks and workshops, and perform in the Roman Amphitheater in the evening. Photos by Gary L. Todd, Ph.D., Professor of History, Sias International University, Xinzheng, Henan, China. http://picasaweb.google.com/GaryLeeTodd/SiasUniversityInternationalCultureWeek#

I’ve been to lots of graduations over the years, daydreamed through countless graduation speeches, and watched endless streams of eager graduates march off into their futures. And I’ve probably forgotten everything I’ve ever seen or heard at all those graduations. Until now. Continue reading →

I believe that the Sias foreign faculty receive better food and housing than any other foreigners in China. For proof I submit food photos taken from April 2 through April 8, 2009. They include most main courses, but not most of the side dishes like bread, butter, jelly, peanut butter, salad, fruit, yogurt, coffee, cocoa, etc. New dishes are constantly being added, and unpopular ones replaced. Foreign teachers occasionally submit their favorite recipes, which sometimes end up as regular menu items. Two years ago we had a full time American chef, who introduced some of the more popular items which are still on the menu. This photo album was created in part to allow feedback on the menu. Photos by Gary L. Todd, Ph.D., Professor of History, Sias International University, Xinzheng, Henan, China. http://picasaweb.google.com/GaryLeeTodd/PeterHallSiasUniversityForeignFacultyDormitory#

Sias University began in 1998. By 2010-2011 it had over 22,000 students, 14 classroom buildings, a dozen dormitories, a large indoor pool, and has been acclaimed one of the 10 most beautiful campuses in China. The pagoda sits atop the “tomb of the fisherman,” dating back to the Warring States period over 2000 years ago. Photos by Gary L. Todd, Ph.D., Professor of American & Chinese History at Sias. Rosaminda (Amy) Todd is coordinator of international housing and also teaches oral English. https://picasaweb.google.com/GaryLeeTodd/SiasInternationalUniversity#