Asian Initiatives of Haenicke Institute for global Education of WMU oversees and helps to support university community outreach efforts, collaborated international academic programs, and scholarly conferences.

Our community outreach efforts bring Chinese and Japanese language and culture programs into area schools, libraries, and other community center. We also offer community classes for the public including Taichi. We are proud to annually host Chinese Speech contests and major cultural events such as the Spring Gala and High School Summer Camp.

Academic Events

Cultural Events

Community Events

We host various community events, including Chinese and Japanese cultural activities. Each event offers a unique opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in Asian culture, learn new skills, and connect with the community.

2025 EVENTS

May 12, 2025, Kalamazoo Public Library (Central)

Dragon Boat Festival

May 3, 2025, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Chinese Painting: Brush, Body and Mind

January 27, 2025, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Lunar New Year Celebration

January 17, 2025, Portage District Library

Introduction to Tai Chi

November 1, 2024, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo) 

Chinese Painting: Brush, Body and Mind

October 4, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Tea and Etiquettes

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September 17, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration

August 21, Bronson Park

Workout Wednesdays - Tai Chi Beginner

June 23, JAFAX in Grand Rapids

Panels at JAFAX in Grand Rapids

May 25, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Encounter Tai Chi

May 20, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Dragon Boat Festival Celebration

May 3, Online

Japanese Children's Day Virtual Celebration

April 18, Portage District Library

Tea Ceremony Workshop

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March 19, Portage District Library

Elementary Chinese Painting/Calligraphy Workshop

March 4, Online

Virtual Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day) Celebration

March 2, Portage District Library

Chinese Painting Workshop for Adults

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February 20, Portage District Library

Chinese Painting/Calligraphy Workshop

February 7, Portage District Library

Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration

February 6, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration

October 30, This Is a Bookstore

Godzilla event

September 29, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration

August 16, Bronson Park

Workout Wednesdays - Tai Chi Beginner

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July 20, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Sushi making workshop

June 23, JAFAX in Grand Rapids

Panels at JAFAX in Grand Rapids

May 12-July 28, Kalamazoo Book Arts Center

Cross Currents: East/West Woodblock prints exhibition

May 5, Online

Japanese Children's Day Virtual Celebration

April 20, Kalamazoo College

Night of Rakugo with KATSURA Sunshine

March 3, Online

Virtual Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day) Celebration

January 27, Portage Zhang Senior Center

Tai Chi Fitness Sampler

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September 17, Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center

Destination Series of Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center - "How to Make Sushi-roll" workshops

September 9, Portage Zhang Senior Center

Moon Festival Celebration

March 3, Online

Virtual Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day) Celebration

Lantern Festival Gala

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The Lantern Festival, also called Yuanxiao Festival, is a Chinese traditional festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month on the lunar calendar. Aiming to promote reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness, Lantern Festival marks the first full moon of the new lunar year and the end of the Lunar New Year celebration. Prior to the pandemic, we had hosted Lantern Festival celebrations for a few years at the Epic Center during Art Hop. 

In 2023, we were happy to expand this celebration to reach more hearts with support from our diverse community. Our program included performances from the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Community Voice (Crescendo Academy of Music), award winning Peking Opera actress and local dance groups, and many more.

Watch Video Recording

 

Lunar New Year Gala at WMU

The Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the biggest celebrations in China and many other Asian countries such as South Korea, Vietnam, and Singapore.

2022 Lunar New Year Gala

The 2022 Virtual Lunar New Year Gala at WMU featured entertainment, including songs, dances, musical instruments, and many more. The theme for this year’s gala was “Together We Are Stronger.” Performances were given by WMU and its global and community partners.  

Watch on Youtube  Watch on Bilibili

2021 Lunar New Year Gala

Please click the button below to watch the 2021 Lunar New Year Gala at WMU on YouTube.

Watch On Youtube   Watch on Bilibili

 

China Festival at WMU

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The annual festival commemorates the tradition of the Chinese Moon Festival, which is celebrated in China in mid-autumn. The first China Festival at WMU was held on WMU’s main campus on September 27, 2014. Featured events included dance and music performances, ping-pong tournament finals, hands-on activities, Chinese art exhibitions and informational display booths. Over the years, this annual event has become a new tradition at Kalamazoo, and the South West Michigan area.

 

 

 

 

 

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