In 2026 VIPP celebrates 35 years of lifelong learning and global impact! Join us in celebrating our 35th anniversary with events in East Lansing and around the world. Check back to learn more about the latest upcoming festivities throughout 2026 such as voting for your favorite 35th anniversary image, memory sharing, alumni reunions and more!
Monday, October 26, 2026 | 3-7 p.m.
Nanjing Xihe Hantian Hotel | No. 158 Xiangxian Road, Pukou District, Nanjing, China
Kindly RSVP by October 16
In honor of the 35th Anniversary of the Visiting International Professional Program, we invite you to a special half-day reunion in Nanjing this fall, bringing together VIPP alumni from near and far for an afternoon of connection, reflection, and forward-looking conversation.
This gathering marks an especially meaningful occasion: the official launch of the VIPP Club Spartan, a new alumni network created to help VIPP graduates connect, support one another, and stay engaged with the MSU community long after graduation.
Join this event to hear directly from program director, Dr. Xinyu Wu, on program developments and future steps, a panel discussion exploring how artificial intelligence is shaping research, industry, and education, and special guests from MSU!
This is a free event for VIPP Alumni and guests. View our event flyer for more information.
In many ways, Korea is part of the origin story of VIPP. When the program was founded in 1991 at Michigan State University it began with a vision shared by two remarkable leaders: Dr. Gill-Chin Lim, then Dean of International Studies, and Dr. Dae-Bong Kwon, who became the first director of VIPP. The very first VIPP cohort included only eight participants. Today, that small beginning has grown into a global community of more than 6,000 alumni from over 70 countries. Yet throughout this growth, Korea has remained one of the most active and committed partners in our network.
On March 13, 2026 VIPP celebrated this long-standing relationship during a 35th anniversary reunion in Seoul for alumni and partners. During this special evening, 29 alumni from 1992 through 2025 were in attendance! The continued Spartan connection felt by our Korean alumni through the years is truly inspiring.
The votes are in! Congratulations to Xuan Kang, the winner of the VIPP 35th Anniversary Image Design Contest. Xuan is a master's student at Michigan State University studying media and information. Look for Xuan's design to be featured throughout our anniversary celebration! Thank you to everyone who submitted a design, voted, and helped make this contest a success. A special shout-out to our other four finalists Mengjie Wang, Jesse Sage, Peitao Chen, and Meng Wang!
2026 Global Summer School Brochure
Bolashak Program
VIPP Strategic Plan
Bold Goals Toward 2030
VIPP Program Brochure
