The community interests in Asian culture have been increasing steadily. Asian Initiatives is proud to host many cultural events to give the students, parents and the local community an opportunity to discover and learn more about Asian culture, both abroad and here in Michigan.
Spring Gala
Join us for an enchanting afternoon at the 2024 "Spring Gala" celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, presented by Western Michigan University Asian Initiatives and the Haenicke Institute for Global Education. This vibrant event features performances by the Kalamazoo Ringers handbell ensemble, the Kalamazoo Male Chorus, and the dynamic Michigan Hiryu Daiko drummers. Be captivated by an award-winning Peking Opera actress and enjoy an array of local dance groups.
The Gala also showcases talented students from WMU and Kalamazoo Public Schools, promising an afternoon filled with cultural richness and artistic flair. Don't miss this spectacular celebration of Asian heritage and community spirit!
Last year's event sold out, so be sure to get tickets today!
For more information, please contact Asian Initiatives at 269-387-3951 or hige-asia@wmich.edu.
Lunar New Year Gala
The 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. The Lunar New Year Gala at WMU is held annually according to the lunar calendar. The gala features live entertainment, including songs, dances, and musical recitals—particularly those involving Chinese folk music. Performances usually are given by WMU students, alumni, and teachers and students from WMU’s community and global partners. There will also be interactive activities and chances for everyone to win prizes.
Lantern Festival Gala
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 are happy to expand this celebration to reach more hearts with support from our diverse community. Our program will include performances from the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Community Voice (Crescendo Academy of Music), award winning Peking Opera actress and local dance groups, and many more.
Chinese Speech Contest at WMU
The annual Chinese Speech Contest provides a stage for outstanding middle school and high school Chinese language students to demonstrate their achievements in learning Chinese and communicate with each other. The contest will also select several of its most qualified high school student candidates to represent Chinese Language and Culture Programing at WMU in the Midwest Chinese Bridge Hight School Speech Contest.
Summer Japanese 101 virtual lesson for K-12 students
Beginner Japanese language lessons for K-12 students are now available through the Soga Japan Center at Western Michigan University. The program is free and open to K-12 students. The virtual lessons which will be held from 4 to 4:40pm ET/ 3 to 3:40pm CT/ 2 to 2:40pm MT/ 1 to 1:40pm PT on two consecutive Fridays on August 13 and 20. No experience is necessary. Registration required to get the Webex link/ Meeting ID.
information
Midwest High School Chinese Speech Contest
Western Michigan University is honored to host Midwest High School Chinese Speech Contest. The competition is co-sponsored by Chicago Consulate General of the People's Republic of China. It provides a stage to showcases achievements of Midwest high school Chinese learners and teachers, as well as to select the most qualified candidate to represent the Midwest in the Global High School Chinese Bridge Speech Contest to be held in China.
Summer Camp in China
The Chinese Language and Culture Programing at WMU Summer Camp in China provides two weeks of Chinese language and cultural training in China. Selected students only need to pay for their airfare, visas and medical insurance; Beijing Language and Culture University provides all in-country expenses, including room, board, transportation, language instruction, cultural activities, and sightseeing tours. Due to the ongoing global pandemic, Asian Initiatives does not have summer camp in China from 2020 to 2022.
China Festival
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.
Moon Festival Celebration
The Moon Festival (also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival) is the second grandest festive celebration in the Chinese culture besides the Lunar New Year. This year's Moon Festival celebration was held at Zhang Portage Community Senior Center on September 9, 2022. This interactive program featured: Multimedia Storytelling, Games, Dance Performance, Chinese Calligraphy Demonstration, Traditional Paper-cutting, Tai Chi Demonstration, Moon Cake Tasting, and Hands-on Activities.