CSUN China Institute Lunar New Year Celebration Held Warmly, Showcasing a Community Enriched by Multiculturalism and Academic Exchange

LAPost / Northridge, CA (February 21, 2026) — The China Institute at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) hosted a grand Lunar New Year celebration on February 21. Vice President and Provost Meera Komarraju, Education Counselor Wei Huang from the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles, Interim Dean of the College of Humanities Kent Baxter, Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer and CSUN alumnus Ringo Chiu and his wife, along with nearly 200 faculty members, alumni, Chinese international students, and community guests gathered to welcome the New Year together.

Vice President Komarraju remarked that the Lunar New Year symbolizes “strength, grace, and forward‑moving energy.” She encouraged the campus community to embrace the coming year with hope, action, and innovation. As a first‑generation college student who once came to the U.S. as an international student herself, she emphasized the importance of cultural communities in personal growth. “When we gather, we are not only celebrating tradition, but also drawing strength from one another and building a sense of belonging.” She highlighted CSUN’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and cultural understanding, and expressed heartfelt appreciation for the Chinese Institute’s dedication, professionalism, and meticulous planning.

Counselor Huang conveyed New Year greetings on behalf of the Consulate. He noted that Lunar New Year has become a global celebration—recognized by the United Nations in 2023 and added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2024—and is now a state holiday in California. “Today, one‑fifth of the world’s population celebrates this tradition of reunion and hope.” He praised the long‑standing and productive partnership between CSUN and Chinese universities and expressed the Consulate’s readiness to further strengthen educational exchanges and youth engagement.

Interim Dean Baxter described the meaning of spring as “renewal and new beginnings.” He thanked The China Institute for more than 40 years of dedication to promoting Chinese culture, academic collaboration, and student exchange programs. “This celebration is not just a festival—it is a living classroom for cross‑cultural understanding.” He commended the leadership and vision of the Center Director Dr. Wei Cao and expressed gratitude to all performers and volunteers.

The celebration also featured the presentation of the “Distinguished Alumni Contribution Award” to Chinese American alumni Ao Bei and Qi Hao.

Traditional folk‑art booths—including dough figurines and sugar painting—were especially popular with families and children. Young performers presented a Chinese zodiac‑themed program, highlighting the intergenerational transmission of Chinese culture.

The artistic performances were diverse and impressive: a violin and electric piano duet of Ave Maria by Xiaocheng Mu and Shitao Li, a soprano solo by Nan Cui, a harmonica performance by Daxing Zhang, and a traditional long‑spout teapot tea‑art demonstration by “Master Ming,” all earning enthusiastic applause.

During the academic-sharing session, Dr. Meiqin Wang of the Art Department presented her field research on contemporary Chinese art; Associate Professor Dr. Junliang Huang shared updates on Chinese language curriculum development; and Drs. Yue Zhang, Wei Cao, and several students presented their experiences from academic exchanges in Hangzhou at Zhejiang University of Finance & Economics (ZUFE) and in Wenzhou at Wenzhou Polytechnic University.

The group visiting ZUFE praised Hangzhou’s modernization and cultural charm—porcelain, silk, calligraphy, and culinary arts. Students noticed that Chinese dining emphasizes shared dishes rather than individual orders, fostering closer interpersonal bonds. They were moved by Hangzhou’s legends and impressed by its natural scenery and stunning architecture. CSUN representatives also discussed potential academic collaborations with ZUFE.

Dr. Cao and her students described the week‑long immersive program in Wenzhou as a deeply impactful academic and cultural exchange. Through visits to historical sites, bilingual lectures, and hands‑on cultural experiences—including Wenzhou’s renowned hair‑embroidery tradition—the trip broadened students’ cross‑cultural understanding and global awareness. The program helped them connect classroom concepts with real‑world contexts, such as linguistic diversity and local entrepreneurial culture. Students emphasized that Wenzhou’s innovation and strong work ethic significantly shaped their academic and career aspirations. Observing AI‑driven factories, advanced engineering labs, and interacting with dedicated university students and local businesses allowed them to see how technology, discipline, and ambition can transform a community. These experiences inspired them to pursue their fields—linguistics, urban planning, and interior design—with renewed purpose, demonstrating how international exchange can ignite motivation and open pathways toward future goals.

The event concluded in a warm and celebratory atmosphere. Attendees agreed that the Lunar New Year Gala was more than a festive gathering—it served as a bridge connecting culture, scholarship, and community, reflecting the university’s ongoing commitment to promoting diversity, understanding, and international engagement.

(By: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Master Ming demonstrates tea ceremony using a long-spouted teapot. (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)