Soochow University is the predecessor of Suzhou University. Soochow University is the first western-style university in China. It was founded by the American Christian Council in 1900. Its predecessor was Boxi Academy in Suzhou, Gongxiang Academy and Shanghai Chinese and Western Academy. 1982, the school was renamed Suzhou University. Extended information Suzhou University was formerly Soochow University and was founded in 1900. 1952 faculty adjustment, Suzhou University College of Arts and Sciences, Sunan College of Culture and Education, and Jiangnan University Department of Mathematics and Science merged to form Sunan Normal University, which was renamed Jiangsu Normal University in the same year. 1982, the school was renamed Suzhou University.