Buckeyes lead with purpose, advance excellence and inspire others to act. Each year, the accomplishments of a select group of alumni are recognized through the Ohio State Alumni Awards.
This year, the Office of International Affairs is pleased to announce that China Gateway Director Phoebe You '09 is one of nine distinguished alumni award winners. She will be presented with the Dan L. Heinlen award, a recognition for Ohio State alumni who have realized outstanding achievements in advancing the university by advocating for its interests with one or more of its important audiences.
As the director of China Gateway since 2009, You recruits students to Ohio State, meets with Chinese leaders and keeps Buckeyes connected through six alumni clubs.
Under You’s leadership, the number of alumni in the Greater China region has grown from several hundred to more than 3,000, while the number of Chinese students at Ohio State has almost tripled.
Of her many accomplishments, she is proudest of a pre-departure orientation program she and her team created to prepare incoming students for life at Ohio State.
“The pre-departure program has prepared thousands of Chinese students for their college life abroad, and it brings a piece of Ohio State to their parents,” she says. “We were among the very first American universities to organize a program like this.”
You also supports Ohio State students and faculty who travel to China for research and internships. And she loves bringing people together in the alumni clubs.
“I am a strong believer in the power of communication,” You says. “Communication helps people identify potential opportunities and sparks creativity, which is so important in today’s world. That’s where I find meaning in my work.”
Read more about You's accomplishments and the annual Alumni Association awards over on their website.