Join fellow Columbia alumni, students and parents for a special afternoon with co-founder and CEO of SOHO China, Zhang Xin, and Columbia College Dean. James J. Valentini.

Hear how this remarkable self-made entrepreneur is making higher education available for more Chinese students and why she values an American educational experience. Dean Valentini will provide an update on what the undergraduate experience is like today at Columbia College.

Zhang Xin co-founded SOHO China in 1995. As CEO, she has led the company to become the largest developer of prime office real estate in China. SOHO China has developed over 5.5 million square meters (60 million square feet) in projects in Beijing and Shanghai. Her collaborations with world-renowned architects have resulted in iconic landmark buildings that transformed Chinese skylines.

Zhang Xin was born in Beijing in 1965 and moved to Hong Kong at the age of 14, where she worked as a factory girl for five years. Determined to pursue higher education, she made her way to England where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Sussex University and a Master’s degree in Development Economics from Cambridge University.

We want to extend our gratitude to the family of Jennifer Yu '03SEAS for their generosity in hosting Columbia alumni, student and family programming in Beijing.

On Saturday, June 18, the Columbia Global Centers | Beijing will be holding special discussions and film screenings. Join for exclusive conversations and screenings. Please find more information here.

Join us for a celebration of SIPA's 70th Anniversary. Click here for more information and to register for this separate event.