CSUN Chinese Alumni Chapter Launched: Building a New Platform for Alumni Collaboration and Continuing the History of U.S.-China Exchange

by admin · Published January 31, 2025 · Updated February 5, 2025

LAPost / Los Angeles / Northridge, January 31, 2025 – The preparatory meeting for the California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Chinese Alumni Association was held on campus before the Lunar New Year. The event was attended by CSUN President Erika D. Beck, Chinese Deputy Consul General in Los Angeles Hongjiang Huang , CSUN College of Humanities Dean Jeffrey Reeder, keynote speakers Leo Chu and Yan Luo , Education Consuls Xuejing Sun and Jin Guo, multiple former directors of the CSUN China Institute, and longtime contributors to the institute’s activities, including Professors Yue Zhang , Tao Hu , Yi Cai , Bingbing Li , Li Liu , Li Ye , Yue Zheng, Xiaojun Geng and Mingshuang Li. Nearly a hundred distinguished alumni from Southern California, faculty, and students participated in the launch ceremony.

From left: Hongjiang Huang, Deputy Consul General of the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, and CSUN President Erika D. Beck

(Photo by Richard Ren/LAPost)

The Chinese Alumni Association was initiated by Professor Wei Cao, Director of the CSUN China Institute. In her speech, Cao emphasized, “Today’s ceremony marks a new beginning for unity and collaboration among our Chinese alumni. This association is not just a platform for alumni connections but also a community to celebrate Chinese achievements and support future generations.”

Wei Cao, Director of the CSUN China Institute
(Photo by Richard Ren/LAPost)

Reflecting on the chapter’s founding purpose, she added, “When I became the director of the China Institute last year, I had the privilege of attending various events and meeting many of our incredible CSUN alumni. I was inspired by their success, their stories, and their willingness to give back. I began to envision this chapter as not just a way to bring resources back to CSUN, but also as a unique opportunity for alumni to connect with one another, supporting each other’s journey, and creating an environment where meaningful collaborations can thrive.”

CSUN President Erika D. Beck (Photo by Richard Ren/LAPost)

CSUN President Erika D. Beck expressed her support for the soon-to-be officially established Chinese Alumni Association and shared her vision for the university’s future. Chinese Deputy Consul General Huang Hongjiang highlighted the significance of Sino-American educational cooperation and extended his congratulations on the launch of the alumni association. Christina Mena, from CSUN’s Office of Alumni Relations and Development, introduced the university’s alumni network structure and encouraged Chinese alumni to actively participate in alumni activities.

Notable Southern California Chinese alumnus Jie Zhao (Beiao)
(Photo by Richard Ren/LAPost)

Renowned Chinese alumni in Southern California, Jie Zhao (Beiao ) and Attorney Qi Hao, were appointed as leaders of the alumni association. Zhao reminisced about his unforgettable experience assisting the Chinese Olympic delegation during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, while Hao Qi, in a video message, outlined the mission and future plans of the association.

Dr. Zhi-Xin Su
(Photo by Richard Ren/LAPost)

Former China Institute Directors Paul Chow, Zhi-Xin Su, and Wei-Min Sun reminisced about the institute’s early development and envisioned future collaboration.

Dr. Paul Chow and his wife
(Photo by Richard Ren/LAPost)

Dr. Paul Chow, a founding member of the China Institute and retired CSUN Dr., attended the event at age 98, sparking fond memories among alumni. Southern California filmmaker Xiaocheng Mu recalled choosing CSUN partly because Dr. Chow’s brother, Zhuanji Zhou, was his colleague at the Beijing Film Academy. Qi Hao also shared memories of Dr. Chow’s support for Chinese students.

Dr. Chow delivered a vibrant ten-minute speech, recalling the names of founding members of the China Institute. After the ceremony, he celebrated his 98th birthday with attendees and distributed signed copies of his novels.

Guest speaker Leo Chu
(Photo by Richard Ren/LAPost)

Guest speaker Yan Luo

(Photo by Richard Ren/LAPost)

Leo Chu, a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, emphasized the importance of alumni networks in resource sharing and collaboration. Hollywood producer and actress Yan Luo shared her cross-disciplinary successful stories and offered to support alumni and student entrepreneurial projects.

Dr. Junliang Huang introduced updates on CSUN’s Chinese language programs. Dr. Hongshan Shao from the Educational Psychology and Counseling Department shared her experience leading CSUN psychology graduate students on a tour of four Chinese cities last summer.

Group photo with key attendees
(Photo by Richard Ren/LAPost)

As the first university in the United States to establish a China Institute, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) holds a significant position in promoting cultural exchanges between China and the United States. The launch of the Chinese Alumni Association not only continues the 40-year legacy of the China Institute but also marks the birth of the first Chinese alumni organization among higher education institutions in Southern California. Among its distinguished alumni are internationally renowned figures such as Dr. Lily Chen, recognized as one of the best charter school principals in the U.S., as well as Wendi Deng, Joan Chen.

(China Institute website: https://www.csun.edu/china-institute)