Asian Initiatives

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Light Center for Chinese Studies

Enhancing the work of faculty and graduate researchers at Western Michigan University who have expertise in some field of Sinology, or teaching or research interests in China. 
Study Chinese at WMU Learn More About WMU Asian Initiatives

The Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies encourages and actively seeks WMU, regional and global partnerships to increase opportunities for China studies collaboration involving research, curriculum development, art exhibits and cultural performances. Community outreach activities are designed to advance the public’s knowledge of China. Events like film screenings and guest lectures are hosted annually.

Haenicke Institute for Global Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245 USA
(269) 387-3951

Light Center Lecture

Guest Lecture Series

The Light Center brings scholars from around the world to speak on Chinese history, culture, art and contemporary society.
A guest speaker at WMU

Light Center Brown Bag Talks

Light Center Research Grant recipients present on their projects at our ongoing Light Center Brown Bag Talk series.

Get Involved

The Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies presents information about Chinese culture, society, everyday life and language in local community settings. The Center offers presentations on WMU’s campuses as well as in K-12 schools, libraries, community centers and other locations throughout southwest Michigan. For more information, contact staff directly.
Contact the Timothy Light Center
Contact Global Education Staff

Faculty Support

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Faculty Research Grant

The Light Center for Chinese Studies provides support to Western Michigan University faculty for research and creative activities related to the study of greater China. All board-appointed, full-time faculty are eligible to apply. Research grants are valued at up to $4,000.

Apply for a TLC Research Grant
A professor at WMU

Light Center Mini Grants

Interested WMU faculty can apply for a mini-grant up two times per academic year, limited to $1,500 per annum. Mini-grants are intended to support China-related activities such as guest speaker fees, conferences, field trips, publishing costs, teaching needs and more.

Apply for a TLC Mini Grant

The Center History and Advisory Board

Dr. Timothy Light

Established in fall 2010, the Light Center for Chinese Studies was created to enhance the work of faculty and graduate researchers at Western Michigan University who have expertise in some field of Sinology, or teaching or research interests in China. The family of Dr. Timothy Light, professor emeritus of comparative religion and former WMU provost, provided funding for the Center and its activities through a generous endowment. 

Dr. Light was a scholar whose dedication to the study and promotion of  Chinese language, culture and history has shaped the field for decades. His contributions as a teacher, researcher, administrator and mentor have had a profound impact on the academic community at Western Michigan University and beyond. His work continues to inspire generations of students, scholars and professionals committed to fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Dr. Light's vision of promoting deeper engagement with Chinese studies is at the heart of the Center’s mission. His legacy lives on through the continued academic programs, research initiatives and community partnerships he helped establish. As we carry forward his work, we remain deeply grateful for his lasting influence and commitment to the field. The Timothy Light Center remains dedicated to advancing the study of Chinese culture, language and society, and we honor Dr. Light's memory in all that we do.
Advisory board member of the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies

Dr. Jacqueline Eng

Associate Professor, Department of Biological SciencesWMU College of Arts and Sciences
Learn More About Dr. Eng
Advisory board member of the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies

Dr. Jianping Shen

Professor of Educational Leadership, and Evaluation, Measurement and Research
WMU College of Education and Human Development

Learn More About Dr. Shen
Advisory board member of the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies

Dr. Ann Veeck

Professor, Department of Marketing
WMU Haworth College of Business

Learn More About Dr. Veeck
Advisory board member of the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies

Patrick D. Wilson

Assistant Professor and Area Coordinator of Sculpture, Frostic School of Art
WMU College of Fine Arts

Learn More About Professor Wilson
Advisory board member of the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies

Dr. Victor Xiong

Professor, Department of History
WMU College of Arts and Sciences

Learn More About Dr. Xiong

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 more than 2,000 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 young man making the Western W with his hands.

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support.
A student holding a WMU flag at a foreign location.

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.
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Global Engagement Program

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

English Language Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers short- and long-term intensive English language study.
WMU staff helping young children learn about Asia.

Asian Initiatives

WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan.
A student and teacher in a WMU classroom.

Faculty Enrichment

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

Timothy Light Center Fall 2025 Grant Award Recipients: Dr. Sophie Tang, Dr. Victor Cunrui Xion and Dr. Xiaojun Wang

Light Center for Chinese Studies funds a documentary, a biography and a multimedia online language studies platform in 2025

A group photo of CELCIS faculty and staff past and present

Celebrating five decades of English language learning at Western Michigan University

Ciccantell and Lambert

Western Michigan University faculty gain global perspective through University of Passau exchange program

Dr. Anna and Tania in Puebla

Building global connections through the classroom: WMU’s Global Classrooms Collaborative

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Haenicke Institute for Global Education announces International Education Week 2025

Dr. Pnina Ari-Gur, Chef Andrew Francisco

Global Engagement Award recognizes efforts to welcome international scholars

New international students pose with Buster Bronco at orientation.

Western welcomes more than 275 new international students to campus

gilman scholarship

WMU Study Abroad honors eight recipients of the prestigious Gilman Scholarship

germany presley

WMU's Haenicke Institute recognizes 47 faculty, staff and student leaders for transformative study abroad programs

Dr. Rosemary Max 6x4

WMU welcomes new associate vice president of global education

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Global Events

Boren Awards - WMU Campus Deadline

Jan. 12
All day
Boren Awards are a set of merit-based scholarships and fellowships funded by the National Security Education Program (NSEP) that encourage U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to study in areas of the world critical to U.S. national security.

Study Abroad Fair 2026 | College of Arts and Sciences

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 — 12 to 2 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 — 12 to 2 p.m.
Jan 20: Dunbar Hall Lobby, Jan 22: Wood Hall Lower Level
Join the College of Arts and Sciences and the Haenicke Institute for Global Education for our annual Study Abroad Fairs!

Global Social

Jan. 21
2 to 4 p.m.
WMU Student Center
Global Socials are an opportunity to participate in fun cross-cultural activities, guest speeches and events, while mingling with fellow domestic and international students.

Conversation Circle

Jan. 22
2 to 3 p.m.
Lee Honors College
Help international students make connections and practice conversational English.

2026 Japan Twang: A shamisen concert

Jan. 22
5 to 6 p.m.
Light Fine Arts Building, Kalamazoo College
Japan Twang! Is an hour-long performance of “Tsugaru-jamisen” by Sato Michiyoshi. Tsugaru-jamisen is a modern, improvisatory, and often highly technical Japanese musical style performed on a three-stringed spike lute called a shamisen.
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