In the late afternoon of Sunday, May 19th, about 50 students from SPPM’s various graduate programs, including MID, IMPA, and Chinese MPA, as well as doctoral candidates, braved the strong winds to participate in the first International Frienship Picnic.
Organized by students from MID and the Chinese MA program, the picnic aimed to boost school spirit while taking advantage of Beijing’s rising temperatures for some outdoor fun. The event was partly sponsored by the SPPM Students’ Union and took place at Lovers’ Hill, one of the many scenic spots on Tsinghua’s beautiful campus.
Participants enjoyed snacks, drinks and chicken and vegetable skewers straight off the grill, which was skillfully run by Vartan (IMPA 2012), Lucy (MID office) and her husband, with many MID hands on deck to help. Adrienne (MID 2011) also treated a lucky bunch to her ever-delicious homemade cheesecake. The picnickers also partook in some football, dodgeball, and singing and dancing to both a live ukulele performance and music off a laptop.
As soon to be graduates get ready for thesis defending and first year students near finals season, this picnic served a reminder that there’s always a little time to relax, kick back and make some new friends. By the time the proceedings finally wrapped up, well into the evening, a good time was had by all.
By Stephan Mothe, MID2011
