Lunar New Year Celebration

On February 15, 2025, the China Institute at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), in collaboration with the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSUN-CSSA), hosted its annual Spring Festival Gala at the Northridge Center to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The event welcomed nearly 150 attendees, including faculty, students, and community members, and featured remarks from CSUN Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Dr. Joy Borah, who commended the China Institute’s contributions to promoting cultural diversity and international engagement.
The evening included cultural performances and experience-sharing sessions from faculty and students. During the banquet, several CSUN faculty members and students shared their 2024 academic and cultural exchange experiences in China.

• Dr. Hongshan Shao from the College of Education led a team of 10 graduate students to participate in the Sino-U.S. Youth Mental Health Development Forum and shared insights from the exchange.
• Dr. Jun Zhan from the Accounting Department discussed her experience leading 17 students to Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan for a summer accounting course.
• Dr. Edith Chen reported on a one-week short-term study program in Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics in Hangzhou, involving 10 students from various disciplines.
• Dr. Junliang Huang introduced the Chinese minor program at CSUN.

CSUN student Vyom Pathak attended a summer program at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan in 2024. Reflecting on his four-week academic and cultural immersion, he shared: “Studying ACCT 230 (Accounting) in China was an unforgettable experience. Beyond gaining professional knowledge, I immersed myself in China’s rich culture, enjoyed authentic cuisine, and felt the warmth and hospitality of the local people. From exploring local markets to engaging in classroom discussions, every moment broadened my perspective. China’s open and inclusive environment made my adjustment seamless. This experience not only enhanced my academic skills but also shaped my global outlook.”

Students Marylyn Sanchez and Deborah Nguyen participated in a December short-term exchange program at Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics. They unanimously agreed that the combination of traditional culture courses and corporate internships significantly enriched their learning experience, pushing them beyond their comfort zones to explore a foreign business, technology, and fashion environment. They emphasized that Chinese culture has had a profound impact on their lives from now on, and they hope more CSUN students will gain similar study-abroad opportunities in the future.

The gala showcased traditional Chinese arts—including tea ceremonies, Tibetan dance, Sichuan opera, and calligraphy—while reinforcing CSUN’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and expanding global academic partnerships.