Honorary Professor at Cornell University: VinUni has the students Ivy League schools desire

DNHN - According to Professor Max J. Pfeffer, who worked at the prestigious Cornell University for 28 years, the outstanding students from VinUni he has interacted with are also highly valued at Cornell and other Ivy League schools.

The evidence lies in the exceptional achievements of VinUni’s first graduating class, with 25% of graduates being accepted for postgraduate studies at renowned universities such as Harvard, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, 32% of the graduates were offered positions at leading global corporations like McKinsey, Google, Bosch, IBM, Boston Consulting Group, and National Australia Bank before graduation.

VinUni students: Future leaders

- What are your impressions of the growth of VinUni students?

Professor Max J. Pfeffer: I have had wonderful experiences with VinUni students. Last year, Cornell received four exchange students from VinUni, and several students came to Cornell in August 2023 for a study program. They are truly exceptional young people. I think they are not just VinUni students but outstanding representatives of Vietnam. They are very intelligent and clearly well-prepared, asking our professors very insightful questions.

I have known these students since they were fresh high school graduates, eager and excited about the wide-open world of university. Now, they are mature citizens, starting their own companies, developing applications, and doing all the things that adults do. It’s incredible to witness their entire journey.

- Can you name a VinUni student who stands out in your memory?

Professor Max J. Pfeffer: I am impressed by Vicky Giap (Giap Vu Nam Duong), one of the VinUni students who immediately engaged with startup clubs at Cornell, supporting student entrepreneurship. Her project was featured on the New York Stock Exchange (NASDAQ at Times Square), allowing her to ring the bell at the stock exchange. For me, that is amazing! Vicky Giap is truly a shining star of VinUni.

- Honestly, do the VinUni students you mentioned have the ability to independently be admitted to Cornell or any Ivy League school?

Professor Max J. Pfeffer: Absolutely. Individuals like Vicky Giap possess qualities that make them excellent students, including intelligence and a willingness to take risks. Additionally, they exhibit calmness and confidence. These are the traits that Cornell and other Ivy League schools look for in students. Cornell aims to train students to become future leaders, and Vicky is a future leader.

Reaching the “sweet fruit”

- To have “good students,” there must be “good teachers.” What is your impression of the faculty at VinUni?

Professor Max J. Pfeffer: I am very impressed by the dedication of VinUni’s faculty to both the university and the students. This is perhaps the most crucial aspect of a university's development. In 2023, several VinUni faculty members were sent to Cornell to learn about our teaching methods. I and my colleagues worked directly with many of them. At the end of their training, we spent a week in-depth discussing, showing their commitment and high caliber.

I was convinced by the questions they asked, a clear testament to the dedication of VinUni’s faculty. Their interaction with everyone at Cornell, clearly articulating VinUni’s needs and what they aimed to learn, also impressed me greatly.

- As someone supporting VinUni in building an excellent academic environment, do you think you are nearing the “sweet fruit”?

Professor Max J. Pfeffer: Yes, I believe we are getting closer to the goals initially set by both sides. We have had, and continue to have, a good cooperative relationship. Both VinUni and Cornell agree to maintain and develop this relationship. This will lead to enhanced training programs and research initiatives, elevating the stature of both VinUni and Cornell University.

- Thank you, Professor Max J. Pfeffer!

Nguyen Anh