The first-ever graduating class of the China Executive MBA program overcame a lot to get here. They not only became the first to receive a Carlson executive MBA (American executive MBAs are considered a prestigious accomplishment in China), but they did so in the face of SARS.

The CHEMBA program is run as a partnership between Carlson and Lingnan (University) College of Sun Yat-Sen University, located in Guangdong, China, the epicenter of the SARS outbreak. CHEMBA’s graduation trip to Minnesota was delayed six months because of the outbreak, but now 38 Chinese executives will enjoy a 10-day Minneapolis visit beginning Nov. 1 and culminating in their graduation ceremony Nov. 10. They will receive a red carpet welcome by some of the area’s leading executives and businesses.

The CHEMBA program started in Fall 2001. Modeled after the domestic executive MBA programs of 16 courses (taught in English) over 16 months, it includes a 10-day overseas residency. Courses are scheduled over two weekends, totaling 32 credit hours, and they offer a truly international experience because they are team taught with both "western" and "eastern" instructors.

The inaugural CHEMBA class will conclude with a graduation ceremony at 3 p.m., Nov. 10, in the Cowles Auditorium at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute.

The Carlson School is one of the few colleges to offer an MBA in China.

"In eastern cultures, an American MBA is highly-respected," said Mary Maus Kosir, director of international programs. "We’re among the elite who offer this degree in China. Other schools are Kellogg and Washington University in St. Louis, who is just beginning their program."

Having just returned from a trip to China, Dean Larry Benveniste saw firsthand how this new program is not only breaking ground in China, but also building relationships with business in Minnesota.

"This is just the beginning of an international network that will continue to grow," said Benveniste. "Many of the executives participating in this program are the future leaders of China and we’re honored to have them among our alumni network. Additionally, Minnesota and Chinese executives benefit by building relationships through numerous corporate site visits and receptions."

During their visit, CHEMBA students will meet with CEOs Marilyn Carlson Nelson (Carlson Companies), Al Stroucken (H.B. Fuller), Art Collins (Medtronic), Gene Sit (Sit Investment Group), and CFO Jim Lawrence (General Mills), as well as have tours and discussions with top executives at 3M and the Federal Reserve Bank to explore U.S. concepts in marketing, finance, and strategy. The executives will also tour and discuss the marketing success of the Mall of America with Mark Bergen (Marketing), attend numerous networking events and enjoy the 100th anniversary Minnesota Orchestra concert.