*Connecting 1984, 2015 & 2028 – Celebrating CSUN’s Role in U.S.-China Olympic History*

Organized by: China Institute at California State University, Northridge (CSUN)

Competition Timeline:

• Launch: August 20, 2025

• Submission Deadline: November 20, 2025 (11:59 PM PST)

• Winners Announced: December 6, 2025

Competition Theme & Purpose

To commemorate CSUN’s unique role in U.S.-China Olympic history—including hosting the 1984 Chinese Olympic delegation and the 2015 Special Olympics—the China Institute invites CSUN faculty and students to design a permanent monument that:

1. Symbolizes friendship between the U.S. and China through sports.

2. Honors CSUN’s legacy as a bridge for cross-cultural exchange.

3. Looks forward to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The winning design will be considered for construction on campus, with input from university stakeholders.

Eligibility & Awards

• Open to all CSUN faculty, students, and alumni (individuals or teams).

• Prizes:

• 1st Place: $1,000 + Design considered for implementation

• 2nd Place: $600

• 3rd Place: $300• Winners will be recognized at a China Institute event and featured in CSUN publications.

Submission Requirements

Each entry must include:

1. Design Concept Statement (500 words max): Explain the vision, symbolism, and connection to CSUN’s Role in U.S.-China Olympic History.

2. Visual Materials:

• Sketches, renderings, or 3D models (PDF or JPEG).

• Physical scale models (optional but encouraged).

3. Technical Plan:

• Construction method and materials.

• Estimated budget (max $10,000 for implementation).

• Proposed campus location (e.g., the University Village Apartments, which hosted the Chinese athlete delegation in 1984, courtyard near USU, Library Walk).

4. Contact Info: Name, department, email, and phone number.

Selection Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated by a committee composed of CSUN faculty, members of the

CSUN China Institute Advisory Board, and Olympic historians, based on the following criteria:

• Creativity & Originality (30%)

• Connection to CSUN’s Olympic Legacy (30%)

• Feasibility & Cost-Effectiveness (20%)

• Potential for Community Engagement (20%)

For a more detailed explanation of the selection criteria, please refer to Appendix I.

Key Dates

• Aug 20, 2025: Competition opens.

• Sep 10, 2025: Optional info session (Zoom link provided).

• Nov 20, 2025: Submissions due.

• Dec 6, 2025: Winners announced.

Topic: CSUN Olympic Legacy Monument Design Competition Info Session

Time: Sep 10, 2025 05:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 812 9077 4968

Passcode: 513732

Submission Instructions

Email entries to: [CSUN.ChinaInstitute@gmail.com]

Subject line: Olympic Monument Design – [Your Name]

Background & Inspiration

• 1984: CSUN hosted China’s first Olympic delegation after its return to the Games.

• 2015: CSUN welcomed athletes for the Special Olympics.

• 2028: Los Angeles Olympics offer new opportunities for U.S.-China collaboration.

“This monument will celebrate CSUN’s enduring role in fostering U.S.-China

communication through sports and culture.”

—[CSUN Chinese Alumni Chapter]

Appendix I:

1. Creativity & Originality (30%)Focus: The design should stand out as innovative and unique while effectively conveying the competition’s themes.

Key Considerations:

• Conceptual Innovation: The monument should offer a fresh perspective on celebrating CSUN’s Olympic legacy, avoiding clichés or overused symbols (e.g., generic Olympic rings).

• Aesthetic Appeal: The visual design should be striking and memorable, incorporating artistic elements that resonate with diverse audiences.

• Symbolism: Creative use of metaphors, materials, or interactive features (e.g., lighting, kinetic elements) to represent U.S.-China friendship, sportsmanship, and CSUN’s bridging role.

• Uniqueness: Submissions should demonstrate how the design differs from existing monuments or public art on campus or elsewhere.

Example Ideas:

• A dynamic sculpture combining elements of the U.S. and Chinese flags intertwined with Olympic imagery.

• An interactive timeline embedded in the monument’s base, highlighting 1984, 2015, and 2028 milestones.

2. Connection to CSUN’s Olympic Legacy (30%) Focus: The design must clearly tie into CSUN’s historical and future role in U.S.-China Olympic collaboration.

Key Considerations:

• Historical Relevance: Explicitly reference CSUN’s hosting of the 1984 Chinese Olympic delegation and the 2015 Special Olympics.

• Future-Oriented Vision: Incorporate a forward-looking element (e.g., a placeholder for 2028 or a design that evolves over time).

• Cultural Bridge: Highlight CSUN’s role in fostering U.S.-China relations through sports, possibly using bilingual inscriptions or shared cultural symbols (e.g., pandas for China, eagles for the U.S.).

• Location Context: Explain how the proposed campus site (e.g., Library Walk) enhances the monument’s connection to CSUN’s community.

Example Ideas:

• A monument featuring arches or bridges symbolizing connection, with plaques detailing CSUN’s Olympic history.

• A design incorporating athlete silhouettes from 1984 and 2015, facing toward a space reserved for 2028.

3. Feasibility & Cost-Effectiveness (20%)

Focus: The design should be realistic to construct within the $10,000 budget and campus guidelines.

Key Considerations:

• Materials: Propose durable, low-maintenance materials (e.g., bronze, stainless steel, stone) suited for outdoor display. Avoid overly complex or fragile components.

• Construction Plan: Provide clear steps for fabrication and installation, including potential partnerships with local artists or vendors.

• Budget Breakdown: Estimate costs for materials, labor, and upkeep, ensuring alignment with the $10,000 cap.

• Scalability: If the design includes phased elements (e.g., additions for 2028), outline how this would be managed financially.

Example Ideas:

• A modular design where sections can be added later without overhauling the entire structure.

• Using recycled materials or student labor to reduce costs.

4. Potential for Community Engagement (20%)

Focus: The monument should inspire interaction and pride among CSUN students, faculty, and visitors.

Key Considerations:• Interactive Features: Incorporate elements like QR codes linking to Olympic history, benches for gathering, or photo opportunities.

• Educational Value: Propose ways the monument could be used for campus tours, classes, or China Institute events.

• Inclusivity: Ensure the design resonates with diverse groups, including athletes, international students, and alumni.

• Events Integration: Suggest how the monument could host ceremonies (e.g., Olympic torch relays) or annual celebrations.

Example Ideas:

• A sundial or shadow-casting design that aligns with significant dates (e.g., anniversaries of 1984/2015).

• A participatory art component where visitors can add small tokens (e.g., engraved tiles) over time.

Summary of Priorities

• Creative + Legacy = 60%: The core of the design must be both original and deeply tied to CSUN’s Role in U.S.-China Olympic History.

• Practicality + Engagement = 40%: Ensure the monument is buildable and meaningful to the community.

By addressing these criteria holistically, a winning submission will balance artistic vision with historical homage, practicality, and public appeal.