The University of Pittsburgh Announces Winners of the Inaugural Chu Financial Management Corporation's "Asia and the World" Essay Contest

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center and Global Studies Program announced the winners of the inaugural Chu Financial Management Corporation's "Asia and the World" essay contest for high school juniors and seniors.

Otto Chu, chair and CEO of Chu Financial Management Corp., is the son of the late Wen-djang Chu, professor emeritus of Chinese in Pitt's Department of Asian Languages and Literatures. Chu travels extensively throughout Asia and works with Pitt's University Honors College on activities relating to Mongolia, as well as serves on the University's Asian Studies Center Board of Advisors.

Yilu Zhang won first place and a cash award of $1,250 for her essay, "The Growth Spurt of the Two Asian Giants." Zhang, a senior at North Allegheny Senior High School, has a keen interest in international affairs, having attended two summer camps in China, in 2004 and 2006, and the Pennsylvania Governor's School for International Studies, in 2007. Zhang is a member of North Allegheny varsity tennis team and speech and debate team and plays the flute with the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra. North Allegheny Senior High School will receive a $250 book scholarship.

Frank Cullo, a senior at Central Catholic High School, won second place ($750) for his essay, "Reconciliation, Tolerance, and Unity: Lessons from Melanesian Diversity." Cullo is a member of the Baginski Scholar's Program, National Honor Society, and the Central Catholic Swim Team. He swims with the Mount Lebanon Aquatic Club year-round and participates in the Sewickley Valley Delegation of Youth and Government.

Katherine Vidt, a junior at Winchester Thurston, won third place ($250) for her essay, "Giants in the Arena: The Economic Present and Future in China and India." An avid songwriter, Vidt is involved in her school's dance and guitar ensembles and Amnesty International club.

The students will receive their awards at a ceremony at the University of Pittsburgh with Otto Chu in February 2008.

The Asian Studies Center and Global Studies Program are part of Pitt's University Center for International Studies.

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12/19/07/amm