What Shansi REPresents

Louise Edward’s “What Shansi Represents” Submission.

Dear Shansi Friends and Supporters,

 Whenever we meet an old friend of Shansi in Asia, we hear countless stories about former Shansi Reps. Visiting Scholars, colleagues, and former students at our partner universities and NGOs love to revisit memories of the formative experiences they shared with Oberlin post grads who lived and worked in their communities. We hear about bicycle rides in the countryside, experimental dance performances, unexpected encounters with elephants and politicians, and dozens of funny moments that echo in collective memory. Their Shansi relationships REPresent something meaningful.

 With our partnerships and programs finally back to normal, we have been taking a moment to reflect on Shansi’s legacy and possibilities for the future. This year, we are excited to launch the Shansi REPresents Campaign, which celebrates the ways that Oberlin Shansi has shaped lives, careers, and worldviews. We’re asking members of our community to describe what Shansi represents to them. The responses so far are telling. For some, Shansi represents “community” and “tradition.” For others, it represents “growth” and “passions confirmed.” Shansi has provided opportunities to explore and build relationships that transcend borders and challenge perspectives. You can see these reflections on our website here. We will continue to add community reflections to this site and look forward to adding to our collective story.

 We invite you to participate in two ways. First, consider filling out this form and share what Shansi REPresents to you with 1-3 words and, if possible, a photograph and memory. We’ll memorialize these contributions on our website.

 Second (and this is crucial), please make a gift to Shansi this year. The generous donations we receive from the Shansi community help us secure our future and enable us to continue to provide transformative and memorable opportunities in the United States and Asia. Visit www.shansi.org/donate to give online or send a check to Oberlin Shansi, 50 North Professor Street, Oberlin, OH 44074.

 You can also donate appreciated stock or consider making a Qualified Charitable Distribution as part of your IRA RMD. Learn more about these tax-advantaged opportunities from our website or by emailing us at shansi@oberlin.edu.

 Over the next two weeks you’ll hear from other members of our community about what Shansi REPresents to them. They’ll also share some exciting updates about our work. Stay tuned!

Sincerely,

 Gavin Tritt                               A. Ted Samuel, Ph.D.

Executive Director                  Senior Director