James J. DeCaro, Director, and E. William Clymer, Coordinator, PEN-International, traveled to Zhongzhou, the capital city of Henan Province, to visit the Zhongzhou University Special Education Institute, which serves 195 deaf college students. The purpose of the visit was to sign a memo of understanding, admitting Zhongzhou into PEN-China.

The 5 day visitation schedule included the opportunity for meetings with the university administration, faculty and students. The formal signing ceremony was covered extensively by the local, regional and national media. Additionally, Dr. DeCaro, Director Bao of Tinajin University and Professor Clymer addressed a group of more than 200 deaf students in the University's auditorium. The exchange between students, faculty and administrator was extremely positive.

The delegation toured the college's facilities and saw examples of student work in the areas of photography, printing, computer science, art and design. A visit to a prestigious ceramics factory where Zhongzhou students participate in a cooperative education experience was included on the tour.

On the evening of March 3, 2005, the PEN-International group were the guests of honor at an evening of entertainment presented by the deaf students of Zhongzhou University. The seven acts offered a unique perspective on Chinese and deaf culture, as seen by the students.

Future collaboration and cooperation will be discussed and specified in meetings in Rochester, NY, when a delegation from Zhongzhou will attend the Instructional Technology Symposium at NTID.