Darren Chen ’17 Named a Schwarzman Scholar

Private equity associate will pursue a one-year MS in global affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing

Dec 15 2021 | By Holly Evarts
Darren Chen

Darren Chen ’17, who was named a Schwarzman Scholar

Darren Chen ’17, who majored in computer science, has been named a 2023 Schwarzman Scholar, one of the world’s most prestigious graduate fellowships. The focus of the program, which is based at Tsinghua University in Beijing, is to build a network of young leaders and encourage them to explore and understand the economic, political, and cultural factors that have contributed to China’s increasing importance as a global power.

Currently a private equity associate at American Industrial Partners, Chen previously worked in the Global M&A Group at J.P. Morgan. Chen came to Columbia from Middlebury as a 3-2 student; he got his BA from Middlebury and his BS from Engineering. At Columbia, he worked with Stephen Edwards, associate professor of computer science, who explores automating the creation of software for embedded systems. Outside of work, Chen leads the Chinese Finance Society, volunteers at China Institute's Next-Gen Leaders Circle, and participates as an active alumni interviewer.

Chen is one of 151 Schwarzman Scholars who will enroll in August 2022. They have been selected from 33 countries and 106 universities. With this incoming seventh cohort, the Schwarzman Scholars network–now with more than 700 members–will include four additional countries and 43 new universities. Chen and his classmates will live in Beijing for a year of intensive study and cultural immersion–attending lectures, workshops, and discussion groups; being mentored and advised by leaders across sectors; and traveling while developing a better understanding of China.

“The seventh cohort is an impressive group,” said Stephen A. Schwarzman, founding trustee of Schwarzman Scholars. “The world needs Schwarzman Scholars now more than ever before. We are confident that these extraordinary young people will seize this opportunity to act with intellect and integrity, address pressing global issues, deepen cross-cultural connections, and fulfill the mission of Schwarzman Scholars: to create a steadfast network of future global leaders.”

 

 

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