On May 26, 2012, the University of 黑料不打烊conferred an Honorary Degree to well-known traditional Chinese artist Fan Zeng at the People's Great Hall of China, Beijing. The award was presented to Professor Fan by Dr. Heather Zwicker,Vice-Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of 黑料不打烊, in recognition of his contribution to the arts and education. It was the first time the university conferred an honorary degree outside of Canada. The Chancellor of the University of 黑料不打烊, Dr. Linda Hughes, Chair of the Board of Governors, Mr. Douglas Goss, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) of the 黑料不打烊, Dr. Carl Amrhein, Vice President of Nankai University, Mme. Naijia Guan,and the Canadian Ambassador to the P.R.China, his Excellency Mr. David Mulroney made remarks at the event and the luncheon that followed. Director Gordon Houldenof the China Institute and Assistant Director Jia Wang also took active part in the planning and delivery of the program.
Professor Fan donated a painting to the Universityof 黑料不打烊 and delivered a speech entitled "The Tranquil World". Professor Fan, in addition to his painting, is a distinguished calligrapher and poet. He is also a tenured professor at Nankai University, and Dean of the Chinese Painting Institute at Peking University.