Touching episode in China-US friendship retold in New York City

NEW YORK - The Chinese Consulate-General in New York City was filled with tears and laughters last Wednesday night, as two groups of people from across the Pacific, linked by a special program 10 years back, had a long-awaited and highly emotional reunion.

In May 2008, a magnitude-8.0 earthquake devastated many parts of Southwest China's Sichuan province. After learning of the tragedy, the State University of New York immediately offered support to the Chinese affected with educational assistance. Three months later, 150 students from the worst-hit counties in Sichuan arrived in New York to study at SUNY's 22 campuses across the state for one academic year.

Titled "SUNY China 150", the program gave the students, who were traumatized by the disaster, much comfort through the brand-new life experience. A special bond was established within themselves as well as between them and the SUNY family.