USC Chinese Student Group Hosts 10th Annual High-End Social Event for Southern California’s Elite Students
Los Angeles, November 12, 2022 – The University of Southern California Chinese Students and Scholars Association (USC-CSSA) successfully hosted the 10th annual SoCal Elite Connect, a premier social event aimed at connecting Chinese international students with industry professionals. Held at the modern and artistic Conrad Los Angeles in downtown LA, the event attracted nearly 300 attendees, including international students from top Southern California universities and young professionals.
The event featured nearly 30 prominent figures from various industries, including well-known influencers, who provided insights on professional trends, industry status, and career development.
Wang Ruijun (3rd from left in the back row) welcomes the guests with the students at the check-in counter at the entrance
Wang Ruijun, the Public Relations Director of USC-CSSA and an international student from the School of Engineering, expressed pride in the association’s decade-long legacy. “As an annual signature event hosted by USC-CSSA, this year marks our 10th anniversary. We are committed to building a valuable social platform for outstanding international students, and it is heartwarming to see the genuine smiles of our attendees as they engaged with industry professionals.”
Fan Bojie, an international student from the School of Business, delivered a welcome speech to the guests on behalf of the CSSA PR Department
The reception boasted a “high-end” atmosphere, featuring elite guests, outstanding students, a formal dress code, and a venue of historical significance. However, it was the rich professional content and networking opportunities that defined the event’s true value.
From left: Eric Fu, Lora Liao 劳拉学姐在LA, Chris Max 口语老炮儿马思瑞, Brian O’Shea 夏波波
Among the guest speakers was Fu Jielun, founder of SJM Technology and a Harvard Law graduate, who hosted interviews with influencers on topics ranging from full-time blogging careers to monetizing online traffic. The event’s organizing committee invited several distinguished guests, including MIT Ph.D. Yu Lun, co-founder and CTO of Yuanxin Zhiyao; Zhang Jiachen from the California Air Resources Board; and popular influencer Brian O’Shea, among others.
Young magician and member of Hollywood Magic Castle (Hollywood Magic Castle) Wang Yuanjie (middle) performing magic tricks at the scene
A group photo of some of the guests present at the reception with the students from the public relations department that hosted the event
The reception also included discussions on relevant industry topics, such as digital media, entrepreneurship, and career strategies. Notable speakers led keynote sessions on a variety of subjects, offering invaluable advice to attendees.
The event was attended by several other prominent figures, including Zeng Tianci, Zhao Haozhe, and Hu Xuefeng, all of whom were listed in the American Chinese Young Elite List, and Yang Fan, a representative from the Office of California Treasurer Fiona Ma.
Ren Xiangdong, director of the Los Angeles Post, who has attended the event for eight consecutive years, praised the USC-CSSA’s organizational capabilities. “This reception has become the most anticipated social event for Chinese students in Southern California,” he said.
From left: Zeng Tianci, Yu Lun, Zhang Jiachen, Lv Xudong, Hu Xuefeng, Qian Tianhui
Popular influencer Brian O’Shea, who was swarmed by fans throughout the evening, commented, “I must have taken a thousand photos tonight. It felt like a huge fan meet-up. I’ll definitely attend next year!”
Zhao Haozhe, head of the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania (UP) Venture Capital Club, also expressed admiration for the event’s scale and quality. “I’ve attended many student-hosted events on the East Coast, but this is by far the largest and most impressive.”
Richard Ren (Left 1)
The USC-CSSA’s dedication to excellence was evident in every aspect of the event, from booking venues and coordinating guest speakers to securing sponsors and managing publicity. Despite a rotating leadership team each year, the association has established a solid internal handover mechanism that ensures continuity and success.
Brian O’Shea （rear right 1）
Zhao Haozhe （Right 2)
Dr. Yu Lun （ Left 2)
USC Dental School professor and students of dentistry
As the reception came to a close after three and a half hours, students reluctantly said their goodbyes. Many attendees left the event having expanded their professional and social networks, gaining valuable contacts and insights for their future endeavors.
(By: Richard Ren/LAPost)
