The Friends of Asian Arts and Culture group poses together in front of artwork at a museum.
Sharing the fascinating arts, diverse culture and intellectual achievements of the complex world region known as Asia

Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures

The Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures group is part of the Haenicke Institute for Global Education's Asian Initiatives. Members promote and provide art and cultural opportunities, activities and workshops, publications, lectures, tours and discussions. 

Through the Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures (FAAC), we strive to create a community gathering place for learning, exploration, support and discussion of Asian arts and cultures. 

Our current focus is on events in southwestern Michigan, but we hope to expand to the surrounding regions as we grow. If you are interested becoming a member of the Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures, register today!

Friends of Asian Arts and Culture Advisory Board

A headshot of Joy Light, a member of the Friends of Asian Arts and Culture.

Joy Light

Community Member, photo xourtesy of Kalamazoo Institute of Arts 
A headshot of Rehema Barber, a member of the Friends of Asian Arts and Culture

Rehema Barber

Chief Curator, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
A headshot of David Bosak, a member of the Friends of Asian Arts and Culture group

David Bosak

Chief Software Architect, Archytas Clinical Solution 
A photo of Mandy Clearwaters, a member of the Friends of Asian Arts and Culture group.

Mandy Clearwaters

Art Lead Teacher, Kalamazoo Public Schools
A photo of Ping Liang, a member of the Friends of Asian Arts and Culture group

Ping Liang

Managing Director, AlphaMax Advisors
A photo of Tim Liang, member of the Friends of Asian Arts and Culture group.

Tim Liang

Managing Director, AlphaMax Advisors
A photo of Mary-Louise Totton, a member of the Friends of Asian Arts and Culture group.

Mary-Louise Totton

Professor and Area Coordinator of Art History, Western Michigan University
A photo of Oliver S. Howell, a member of the Friends of Asian Arts and Culture group.

Oliver S. Howell

Attorney, Howell Parfet Schau
A photo of Dr. Ying Zeng, member of the Friends of Asian Arts and Culture group.

Ying Zeng

Senior Director of Asian Initiatives, Western Michigan University

About the Haenicke Institute for Global Education

Your journey at Western Michigan University is a global one. Through transformative events, immersive classes and Experience-Driven Learning, the Haenicke Institute for Global Education connects Kalamazoo to the world—and the world to Kalamazoo. We assist over 1,000 international students and alumni at home and abroad with admissions, immigration support, student success and post-graduation job training. We host 80+ study abroad programs and bring students, faculty and staff to 30 countries, on average, each year.  From fostering academic opportunities to showcasing cultural events and providing K-12 outreach, the Haenicke Institute promotes learning that transcends borders and takes you wherever you want to go.  

A student wearing a study abroad map tshirt while making a W symbol with his hands. He is posing in downtown Kalamazoo.

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support.

A student proudly holding a Western flag during a study abroad adventure in another country. He stands in front of an historic building.

Study Abroad

WMU Study Abroad supports more than 80 programs around the world, sending students, faculty and staff to 30 countries, on average, each year.

Students talking to each other outside at a picnic table in downtown Kalamazoo. They wear tshirts promoting global eduction at Western Michigan University.

Global Engagement Program

The Global Engagement Program provides opportunities for all  students at Western Michigan University to become globally engaged. 

Students working together at a table. They are both looking a paper, as if they are studying together.

English Language Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers short- and long-term intensive English language study.

A member of the WMU Asian Initiatives staff working with children at a community outreach event.

Asian Initiatives

WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan.

Robert Brown, an instructor at the Haworth College of Business, sitting side-by-side talking to a student as he teaches an Applying Business Fundamentals class in Schneider Hall.

Faculty Enrichment

The Haenicke Institute supports partnerships with more than 100 international institutions, offering options to faculty who are interested in collaboration and exchange.