On May 26, 2012, the University of Albertaconferred an Honorary Degree to well-known traditional Chinese artist Fan Zeng at the People's Great Hall of China, Beijing. The award was presented to Professor Fan by Dr. Heather Zwicker,Vice-Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Alberta, in recognition of his contribution to the arts and education. It was the first time the university conferred an honorary degree outside of Canada. The Chancellor of the University of Alberta, Dr. Linda Hughes, Chair of the Board of Governors, Mr. Douglas Goss, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) of the University of Alberta, Dr. Carl Amrhein, Vice President of Nankai University, Mme. Naijia Guan,and the Canadian Ambassador to the P.R.China, his Excellency Mr. David Mulroney made remarks at the event and the luncheon that followed. Director Gordon Houldenof the China Institute and Assistant Director Jia Wang also took active part in the planning and delivery of the program.
Professor Fan donated a painting to the Universityof Alberta and delivered a speech entitled "The Tranquil World". Professor Fan, in addition to his painting, is a distinguished calligrapher and poet. He is also a tenured professor at Nankai University, and Dean of the Chinese Painting Institute at Peking University.