Invited by Jefferson High School in Lafayette, Indiana, the Confucius Institute at Purdue University (hereafter CIP) introduced Confucianism and Chinese culture to students in a special panel discussion of worldviews as part of the school’s Social Studies class on September 27, 2010.

Dr. Hongling Jiang, Associate Director of the Confucius Institute at Purdue University, presented on the cultural and philosophical influences of Confucianism to Chinese culture and Chinese worldview, and shared the viewpoints of Confucian philosophy with other panelists who represent different worldviews. This presentation is warmly received by the high school seniors, who are, for the first time, exposed to scholarly talks on social behaviors and cultural values that might be shaped by different worldviews.  Students interacted with representatives from the Confucius Institute with questions and discussion. Ms. Clare McKinney, Assistant Principal, expressed a strong interest to establish a Confucius Classroom to further such a cultural enrichment program at Jefferson High School with CIP. At the end of the program, CIP presented Chinese cultural artifacts as gifts to Jefferson High School for their future cultural activities.   With a mission to promote Chinese language and culture in the Greater Lafayette community, CIP sets its highest priority to work with K-12 schools and committed to playing a leading role in educational activities that prepare our next generations to become global citizens.