Li Peirong '24 Awarded Prestigious Schwarzman Scholarship

“Schwarzman Scholars and NYU Shanghai have a very similar vision – building bridges between China and the world,” says Li, a Social Science major with a focus on Political Science. “Winning the scholarship opens a new frontier for me to keep doing that.”

Li decided to apply for the scholarship in Spring 2023 after reflecting on how his major research, internship, and leadership experiences at NYU Shanghai aligned with the program’s mission. After a round of screening, he was invited to Beijing for an in-person interview and enjoyed exchanging perspectives with a diverse group of candidates. “The current geopolitical landscape is defined by US-China relations, and Schwarzman’s ability to attract the brightest minds from both countries encouraged me to study, research, and build connections with these scholars,” he says. 

As diverse as the Scholars come, Li believes they are fundamentally united by a few common traits. Leadership and intercultural competency are of utmost importance, he says, along with empathy, open mindedness, and integrity. He adds that NYU Shanghai has been “phenomenal” in providing resources and opportunities for him to develop these qualities.

As student body vice president and president from 2022 to 2024, Li prioritized building bridges between Chinese and international students at NYU Shanghai and revitalizing a community that felt at times fragmented due to pandemic-related hardships. He led the team in creating shared experiences through programming and dialogue that would break down barriers and foster a multicultural environment. “Events and initiatives such as the Wellbeing Expo, Carnival of Terror, and Leadership & DEI Roundtables produced significant results,” said Li. “I hope that we can keep the momentum.”

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs David Pe commended Li for his commitment and engagement in university life which has fostered a sense of belonging among NYU Shanghai’s student body. “Peirong’s efforts remind us all of the power of coming together to overcome challenges and build a stronger, more connected university community,” he said. “I am so excited to see Peirong continue his work as a builder across cultures in his new role as a Schwarzman Scholar.”

_{Left: Li receives the NYU Shanghai torch from classmate Ariana Alvarez ’23 during the NYU Shanghai’s commencement ceremony. Right: Li leads Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka on a tour of the New Bund Campus.}

Li’s impact on the NYU Shanghai community extends beyond his dedicated role in Student Government. Over the course of his college career, he’s worked with TEDxNYUShanghai, Admissions, the Center for Career Development, and University Communications. “In working on a wide range of tasks and leading different organizations, these opportunities equipped me to lead effectively, understand other cultures, perspectives and positions, and develop empathy,” he says.

_{Left: Li spoke as a student representative in a roundtable with NYU’s 17th President Linda G. Mills. Right: Li presented a student-made farewell gift to NYU’s 16th President Andrew Hamilton.}