“How Chinese Students Perceive Alumni Giving: Confucian Moral Ideals and Western Engagement Norms”
In his recent article published in Comparative Education Review, Professor Oren Pizmony-Levy and colleagues explore how Chinese university students understand their future roles as alumni—especially around giving back and staying connected to their alma mater.
The article, titled “How Chinese Students Perceive Alumni Giving: Confucian Moral Ideals and Western Engagement Norms”, provides a unique lens into how global and local values intersect in shaping educational philanthropy in China.
As Professor Oren Pizmony-Levy recalls: “The idea for this study was first sparked over a lively hot pot dinner in Beijing in 2016. As the steam rose and chopsticks clinked, conversation flowed easily—from academic experiences to cultural differences in higher education. Somewhere between sips of broth and shared plates, the discussion turned to alumni engagement and whether strategies that had proven effective elsewhere could be adapted to the Chinese context. That question lingered long after the meal ended, eventually taking shape as the collaborative research project we’re presenting today.” This moment of cultural exchange and curiosity laid the foundation for a years-long inquiry into alumni engagement strategies across global contexts.
A Closer Look at the Study
The study is based on a survey of 433 students at a large public research university in Beijing. It investigates how Confucian moral values, which emphasize obligation and reciprocity, and Western ideals of alumni engagement, influence students’ perceptions of donating and staying involved after graduation.
Key Takeaways
Students in the study showed strong intentions to both donate to and engage with their universities. A strong sense of belonging and positive attitudes toward alumni giving were key predictors of future support.
Meanwhile, trust in the university and agreement with Confucian moral ideals significantly predicted intentions to donate, but these factors did not extend to non-financial forms of engagement.
Implications for Global Education Philanthropy
Professor Pizmony-Levy’s findings offer new insights for institutions seeking to build alumni networks beyond Western contexts. The study emphasizes that while ideas around alumni giving may originate in the U.S., their reception elsewhere is deeply shaped by local traditions, values, and institutional trust.
This article will also be featured in ITSF 4101: Introduction to Quantitative Analysis in Spring 2026, where students will read and discuss the research as part of their coursework.
Read the full article here:
How Chinese Students Perceive Alumni Giving: Confucian Moral Ideals and Western Engagement Norms - Published in Comparative Education Review, Vol. 69, No. 2, May 2025.