Spotlight: Spring Gala
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University's Haenicke Institute for Global Education announces Spring Gala 2025 on Saturday, March 22, at Miller Auditorium. Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the beauty of Asian culture and champion diversity, peace and love in Kalamazoo.
The theater doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the show begins at 6 p.m. Hands-on cultural activities for all ages will start at 4:30 p.m. Spring Gala 2025 will feature:
- Moving scenes from the Peking opera performed by award-winning actress Linghui Tu and actor Suosen Lv;
- Performances by the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra and the Kalamazoo Children’s Chorus;
- Inspiring dance and fashion acts presented by the students and staff of WMU, Kalamazoo Public Schools, the Kalamazoo Chinese Academy and other local Asian American organizations;
- The retelling of traditional nursery rhymes in Chinese with students from Comstock Early Learning Academy.
Tickets are $22 for the public and $8 for WMU students, faculty and staff. Contact Miller Auditorium to secure your spot and immerse yourself in an evening of cultural richness, artistic flair and shared joy. Read more about this exciting event here.
Haenicke Institute Regular Programming
Conversation Circles
Help international students make connections and practice conversational English. The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) hosts Conversation Circles most Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
OPT Workshops for International Students
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a service provided by International Student and Scholar Services to assist recently graduated international students in obtaining real-world work experience during their stay in the United States.
Global Socials
Hosted weekly, Global Socials are an opportunity to participate in fun cross-cultural activities, guest speeches and events, while mingling with fellow domestic and international students. All are welcome!
International Birthday Celebration
On the last Thursday of every month, The Haenicke Institute hosts a special celebration for international students and scholars who have a birthday during that month!
Major Events
Spring Gala
Join us on March 22 for the Spring Gala, an unforgettable evening celebrating the beauty of Asian culture and championing diversity, peace and love in Kalamazoo. The theater doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The show begins at 6 p.m. Hands-on cultural activities for all ages will start at 4:30 p.m.
International Education Week
Western Michigan University’s Haenicke Institute for Global Education hosted International Education Week: Internationalization on Campus and Beyond in 2024. Several events were scheduled to celebrate global diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding.
International Festival
A popular event since 1989, WMU's International Festival showcases the diverse student body at WMU. Students from around the world share their cultures, dance and fashion with the Kalamazoo community.
International Bazaar
Hosted by International Student Council in partnership with the Haenicke Institute, International Bazaar brings students and the Kalamazoo community around the world without leaving Western Michigan University's campus. Last year's inaugural event featured international cuisine, handmade crafts, performances and fun activities like face painting and games.
Classes & Other Activities
Light Center for Chinese Studies Lecture Series
WMU's Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies hosts a guest lecture series every year to enhance the work of faculty and graduate researchers specializing in Sinology, as well as those with teaching or research interests in China.
Mini Cultural Festival
Part of the Global Engagement Program, the Mini Cultural Festival is an opportunity to learn more about cultures from around the world and to share your own cultural heritage, customs and traditions. It happens twice a year.
International Student Career Fair Preparation Event
Hosted by International Student Council with support from International Student and Scholar Services, as well as WMU's Career and Student Employment office, this event provides support to international students preparing for career fairs in the United States.
Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration
We welcomed the Year of the Snake with the Kalamazoo Public Library. This family event featured dancing, crafts and more.
Spirit of Japan
Join the WMU Soga Japan Center to learn about the language, culture and calligraphy of Japan.
Soga Japan Center Special Talks
The WMU Soga Japan Center hosts an ongoing Special Talk series to highlight research and scholarship on Japan.