Cover Page for CSUN Lunar New New Year 2026

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Farimah Chalabi

Strength in Motion: CSUN Celebrates 2026 Lunar New Year Gala, Moving Forward Together

Alumni College of Humanities CSUN China Institute

On February 21, 2026, the China Institute at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), in collaboration with the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA), hosted the 2026 Lunar New Year Gala, “Strength in Motion: Moving Forward Together,” at the USU Grand Salon. Nearly 200 faculty members, alumni, students, international scholars, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the arrival of the Lunar New Year in a spirit of unity, cultural pride, and shared momentum.

Leadership Reflections: Strength, Renewal, and Belonging

From left: Mrs. Yi Ding and Mr. Zhihao Xia (Photo by Richard Ren/LAPost)

The program opened with welcoming remarks from hosts Mrs. Yi Ding and Mr. Zhihao Xia, setting a celebratory tone for the afternoon.

Vice President and Provost Dr. Meera Komarraju reflected on the symbolism of the Lunar New Year as representing “strength, grace, and forward-moving energy.” Drawing from her experience as a first-generation college student and former international student, she emphasized the importance of cultural communities in fostering belonging and resilience.

Meera Komarraju (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

“When we gather, we are not only celebrating tradition, but also drawing strength from one another.”

She reaffirmed CSUN’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and global engagement, and expressed appreciation for the China Institute’s leadership and thoughtful planning.

Counselor Huang (Photo by Richard Ren/LAPost)

On behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, Education Counselor Wei Huang extended New Year greetings and highlighted the growing international recognition of the Lunar New Year — formally recognized by the United Nations in 2023, inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2024, and designated as a state holiday in California. He also praised the strong partnerships between CSUN and universities in China and affirmed continued support for expanding educational collaboration.

Kent Baxter (Photo by Richard Ren/LAPost)

Interim Dean Dr. Kent Baxter described the celebration as “a living classroom for cross-cultural understanding.” He recognized the China Institute’s more than four decades of commitment to advancing Chinese culture and academic exchange, and commended the leadership of Center Director Dr. Wei Cao, along with the many performers and volunteers who contributed to the event’s success.

Honoring Distinguished Alumni

(Photo by Richard Ren/LAPost)

The celebration also included the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Contribution Award to Ao Bei and Qi Hao, recognizing their professional accomplishments and meaningful contributions to the community.

Academic Exchange and Global Partnerships

A dedicated segment of the program showcased CSUN’s expanding academic collaborations in China.

Dr. Meiqin Wang shared insights from her research in contemporary Chinese art, while Dr. Junliang Huang provided updates on the Chinese language curriculum.
Drs.Wei Cao and Yue Zhang, together with participating students, reflected on immersive academic programs at Zhejiang University of Finance & Economics (ZUFE) in Hangzhou and Wenzhou Polytechnic University. Students described transformative experiences exploring Hangzhou’s rich artistic traditions and Wenzhou’s entrepreneurial spirit, including visits to AI-powered manufacturing facilities and advanced engineering laboratories.

These exchanges deepened students’ global awareness, strengthened cross-cultural understanding, and inspired renewed academic and professional ambition.

Dr. Meiqin Wang (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Dr. Junliang Huang (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Dr. Wei Cao and her students (Photo by Richard Ren/LAPost)

Dr. Yue Zhang and his students (Photo by Richard Ren/LAPost)

Silent Charity Auction

Among the most anticipated highlights of the afternoon was the Olympic-themed Silent Auction, which drew significant attention from attendees. The auction featured rare and meaningful memorabilia generously donated by Mr. Hou Kun, Member of the International Olympic Committee for Culture and Olympic Heritage, and Ms. Wu Jingyu, two-time Olympic champion and former member of the Chinese Women’s Taekwondo Team.

Featured items included a Michael Jordan Limited Edition Collectible Medal Set, a high-resolution collector’s edition of the Burlingame Treaty (1868), an IOC Custom Olympic Rings Necklace, and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Participation Medal, among other distinctive pieces capturing historic moments in global sports. The auction was a tremendous success, with proceeds designated to support CSUN China Institute initiatives related to the LA28 Olympic Games, reinforcing the gala’s forward-looking theme of international collaboration and cultural connection.

(Photo by: Farimah Chalabi)

(Photo by: Farimah Chalabi)

Celebrating Artistic Excellence and Cultural Heritage

The gala featured a vibrant artistic program blending traditional heritage with contemporary expression.

The Kids’ Animal Show, performed by Valley children, delighted the audience with lively interpretations inspired by the Chinese zodiac. Their joyful presentation symbolized hope, renewal, and the intergenerational transmission of culture.

(Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

A standout moment was the Long-Spout Tea Art demonstration by Master Ming, who skillfully combined traditional tea culture with choreographed movement. Using a specially designed teapot, he poured tea with precision while walking and spinning — never spilling a drop — embodying the harmony and balance central to Eastern aesthetics.

(Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

The Dancing Spirit Group, led by Casey Wu, presented Love Song of Kangding, inspired by traditional Tibetan dance and infused with modern rhythm. Their performance highlighted the bold and passionate spirit of the Kamba Tibetan people while reflecting the strength of community-based cultural expression.

(Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

(Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

The musical program included the elegant duet “When Piano Meets Violin,” performed by Xiaocheng Mu and Shitao Li, featuring The Moon Represents My Heart and Bach’s Ave Maria. Soprano Nan Cui delivered a moving performance of “For Good” from Wicked, while actor and producer Daxing Zhang bridged cultures with a harmonica rendition of the American folk classic “Oh! Susanna.”

Woody Mu (violin) and Li Shitao (keyboard) perform Ave Maria. (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Soprano Cui Nan (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Zhang Daxing Harmonica Solo (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Throughout the venue, traditional folk art booths featuring dough sculpture by Zhenshan Shi and sugar painting by Rui Chen attracted families and children, offering interactive experiences that brought intangible cultural heritage to life.

Dough figurines (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

(Photo by: Farimah Chalabi)

Moving Forward Together

More than a festive gathering, the 2026 Lunar New Year Gala embodied its theme, “Strength in Motion: Moving Forward Together.” Through scholarship, artistry, leadership, and community engagement, the event highlighted CSUN’s enduring commitment to global partnership, cultural exchange, and inclusive excellence.

As the afternoon concluded with cultural activities, photo sessions, and community fellowship, attendees departed with renewed energy and a shared vision for the year ahead — united in strength and moving forward together.