Forty years ago, Wei Dong (M.F.A. ’88) arrived in Richmond as one of the first Chinese students to come to the U.S. as a self-funded international student.
In a time when fewer than 1% of students were accepted into college in China, Dong attended TsingHua University in Beijing, formerly the Central Academy of Arts and Design, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in arts and interior design.
Then, Dong had an opportunity to become one of the first Chinese students to come to the U.S. as a self-funded international student. Through the strength of his portfolio, he received acceptance letters from many universities, but he chose VCUarts after personal outreach from his future professor, Ringo Yung.
Dong arrived in Richmond in 1986, just two weeks before the start of the fall semester. He had no friends or relatives in the U.S., and just $5 in his pocket. His only financial support was the scholarship he received from VCUarts. Dong didn’t even have a place to stay; he called Yung from the airport and stayed with him until the semester began.
Despite his uncertain beginnings, Dong soon found a new life in Richmond. He landed his first job working in the Department of Interior Design. He found friends and roommates. And just one year after arriving in the U.S., Dong presented his first solo exhibition, showcasing work that combined classical Chinese and modern Western art practices.
Since graduating with a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design, Dong has become a published author and practiced interior design in the U.S. and China. Widely respected for his interdisciplinary contributions to art, design, and cultural studies, Dong’s creative work has been exhibited and presented in numerous galleries, museums and academic venues across the U.S. and internationally. He is also a retired professor in the Department of Design Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
In his work, Dong explores the cultural and philosophical foundations of art and design, with a focus on the dialogue between traditional Chinese artistic principles, Feng Shui philosophy and Western approaches to artistic creation, design and sustainable development.
On May 8, Dong will share more about his journey from China to VCUarts to internationally recognized artist and designer when he delivers the 2026 commencement address.
