Change is inevitable, though its pace is often unpredictable — impacting the world around us in ways ranging from the subtle and unseen to the sudden and swift.
Dr. Congsheng Wu, professor of finance at University of Bridgeport, understands the unpredictable rhythm of change firsthand. Born in rural China during the height of communism, Wu witnessed his country’s dramatic transformation from collective poverty to global economic power — an experience that continues to frame his teaching and research.
It was this firsthand perspective that inspired Wu to embark on a project bridging past and present — one that brought his academic expertise and cultural experience full circle. In 2019, he began co-translating Handbook of Chinese Economics (originally published in Chinese as Forty Years of Chinese Economics: 1978–2018) alongside former student and Purple Knight alum Dr. Lin Li. 1978 marked the beginning of China’s economic reforms and opening to the outside world, laying the foundation for the country’s remarkable transformation and modernization over the following decades.
What started as an academic endeavor soon evolved into a five-year journey of cultural reconnection and global collaboration, aimed at reshaping conversations in international finance.
Rooted in revolution — rising through education
Professor Wu came of age under a system characterized by state-owned enterprises, collective labor, and strict limits on individual advancement — a system that began before he was born. “After 1949, when modern China was founded as the People’s Republic of China under the communist party, a centrally planned economy took hold,” he recounts. “Its goal was to eradicate capitalist ideas, private property, and even centuries of Chinese culture. Everything from jobs and wages to the cost of goods and services was controlled by the state.”
In this climate, upward mobility was rare. Most families lived and worked on agricultural communes, earning the equivalent of just $1 per day. Dr. Wu recalls that experience well. “I grew up in the countryside, where no one owned land. You couldn’t even have a small garden. Everyone just went to work on collective farms.”
Higher education remained the best avenue for advancement. Enrolling, however, was not an easy feat. “Back then, only a small fraction of young people in China had the chance to go to college,” he explains. “It all came down to one national exam, and that single score determined your whole future.”
Wu was among the few selected. He began his education in engineering before pivoting toward business and finance for his graduate studies. “I realized early on that engineering wasn’t the right fit for me, but it gave me a solid foundation in math and statistics. That background was an asset when I moved into finance.”
He didn’t only build valuable career skills. Wu’s journey from rural farmlands to financial scholarship laid the groundwork for a future analyzing, translating, and teaching about the very systems that shaped his youth.
Global perspective, local impact
After gaining real-world experience in the finance industry, Dr. Wu joined University of Bridgeport in 1998, where he found the perfect environment to merge theory with practice — all while forming the pedagogical foundation that would later support his translation work.
For over 20 years, Wu has taught courses on topics ranging from microeconomics to global financial systems, continuously emphasizing real-world application. Under his leadership, UB students have excelled in international competitions like the CME Group University Trading Challenge. In 2022, his team placed second out of more than 500 global entrants. “The experience gives students hands-on experience with real market data in a global competition setting,” he explains. “It’s a powerful way to put theory into practice.”
A dedicated mentor, Wu also guided a UB RISE student who earned the Alumni Award for their research. “I knew the student had wonderful potential, so I pushed them to go beyond a typical thesis,” he shares. “It was a lot of work, but the outcome was impressive.”
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Translating change — from scholarship to collaboration
In 2019, nearly 20 years after first joining the UB community, Professor Wu came across a unique opportunity that blended scholarship, culture, and collaboration — translating a foundational Chinese text on economics: Handbook of Chinese Economics.
This landmark work chronicles the nation’s decades-long shift from collectivism, highlighting how economists, policymakers, and even clandestine international alliances helped transform China’s economy into the second largest in the world.
This translation opportunity spoke to Dr. Wu both personally and professionally. “China’s rise is considered an economic miracle,” he outlines. “The original Chinese version of the book was published to mark the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up policies. It was a milestone moment — capturing forty years of unprecedented economic change. I wanted to help people outside of China understand how that happened, and this book tells that story in depth.”
Although Wu had prior translation experience and was intrigued, one issue would need to be addressed: to apply for the project, he needed a co-translator based in China. Luckily, the solution to this problem came quickly to mind: Dr. Lin Li, a Purple Knight alum, whom he remembered for her exceptional English fluency, work ethic, and insightful scholarship.
“Dr. Li was the perfect fit. She was an MBA graduate student of mine, and she went on to work as an associate professor of business at Zhejiang Gongshang University,” Wu proudly shares. “With her background in management and deep understanding of the subject matter, she brought valuable expertise to the project.”
Together, Wu and Li began the process with a sample chapter before ultimately spending more than a year completing the full translation. Wu translated the first half of the book while Dr. Li handled the second. The final product, geared toward scholars and students, provides a detailed and accessible account of a crucial chapter in economic history.
In illustrating China’s economic transformation, the book offers vivid snapshots of what that progress looked like — scenes that Wu cites as some of the most compelling details of the revolution.
“There was a secret, weeklong meeting between Western and Chinese economists that was held on a boat so they could convene without government oversight,” he relays. “At the time, China had only been learning from the Soviet Union, so the exchange was eye-opening. It was a turning point, and the beginning of China embracing new economic ideas.”
Uncovering and translating these powerful facts and anecdotes was a fascinating endeavor — but far from easy. The greatest challenge came in navigating politically coded or ideologically charged concepts shaped by decades of propaganda.
“Translating this book wasn’t just about language—it was about context,” Wu recalls. “Many of the economic policies and historical references are deeply rooted in China’s political and cultural landscape. I had to ensure that Western readers could grasp the meaning without losing the original intent. It was a careful balance between staying true to the source and making it accessible across cultures.”
Reflecting on revolution
For Wu, the project offered more than professional satisfaction — it reignited his deep appreciation for the subject matter he teaches every day.
By helping scholars examine the differences between U.S. and Chinese economic models, the book encourages thoughtful, cross-cultural reflection. “China learned a great deal from the outside world during its reform era — and that spirit of learning should go both ways. China’s rapid growth shows there are lessons worth studying, even when political systems differ.”
Outside the classroom, Wu maintains balance with long-distance running and a lifelong passion for Chinese calligraphy. “It takes years of discipline and precision,” he notes. “I practice every day. It’s important to me, not just as a hobby, but as a way to connect with Chinese history and identity.”
As for what’s next, Wu plans to continue mentoring students, researching global finance, and exploring topics at the intersection of economics, policy, and culture. The translation may be complete, but the conversation is only beginning. “Understanding a country’s economy means understanding its history, values, and people. My hope is that this translation encourages more open dialogue — not just about policy, but about how we see one another across cultures.”
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Bri Gagné is a content developer at University of Bridgeport, bringing backgrounds in literary studies, creative storytelling, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and social justice. They earned their bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Film Studies, and Gender Studies from University of Connecticut and a master’s in Elementary Education from Eastern Connecticut State University.
After teaching English abroad and locally, Bri transitioned to a full-time writing career, contributing to the University’s educational narratives and brand-building efforts. They are currently earning their Master of Fine Arts in Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing at Emerson College.