Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Provides Insights on the Impact of Education to Students and Faculty of Laureate's Hunan International Economics University

BALTIMORE, April 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Speaking to students and faculty at Hunan International Economics University (HIEU) on Sunday, April 27, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice declared that higher education is playing an increasingly important role in a globalized society. After Dr. Rice's remarks, which were part of HIEU's Youth Leadership Series, HIEU President Zhang Fangping bestowed on her the title of honorary professor.

"The essence of education is to help people find their passion in life through cross-discipline experiences that build transferrable skills no matter what walk of life one decides to pursue," Dr. Rice said. "It is great to meet many very intelligent, curious and ambitious students who are searching for ways to contribute the most to society. I look forward to more opportunities to build a relationship with the students and faculty of the Laureate universities in China."

Steven Lin, president and CEO of Laureate North Asia, said, "Dr. Rice gave us a peek into the growing demands of our globalized world that was valuable to students and faculty alike, as we all consider our paths toward individual and communal success. Dr. Rice is one of the most respected and well-traveled people in the world, and her insights come with the benefit of years of experience, including a distinguished career working at the highest levels of government and education.  She is a leader whom many young women around the world seek to emulate, and it was truly inspiring to have her here."

Founded in 1997, HIEU has more than 28,000 full-time students, making it one of the largest private universities in China. The university offers degree programs ranging from accounting and business to design and music. Of the student body, 77 percent are the first in their families to attend a higher education institution, 45 percent are from rural areas and 10 percent come from families with an annual income of USD $2,000 or less. HIEU also is committed to community service and participates in a number of socially responsible initiatives.  HIEU joined the Laureate network in 2009 and has consistently achieved more than 90 percent employment for its graduates. This year, HIEU was ranked as the best private university in China.

About Laureate Education, Inc.
Laureate Education is the world's leading higher education provider. Laureate's more than 75 universities educate over 800,000 students in 29 countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Laureate's universities offer undergraduate, master's and doctoral degree programs in fields such as architecture, business, engineering, hospitality management, law and medicine. The Laureate network is celebrating its 15^th anniversary this year. William J. Clinton, former President of the United States, is Honorary Chancellor of the Laureate International Universities network. To learn more, visit www.laureate.net.

SOURCE Laureate Education, Inc.