Spring Gala to return to Miller Auditorium
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. There will also be informational booths for patrons to learn more about Western's international community and the Haenicke Institute's campus and community outreach.
Hosted by WMU’s Asian Initiatives, this year's Spring Gala promises a vibrant showcase of Asian artistry, culture and community spirit. WMU Trustee Lynn Chen-Zhang will be the evening's emcee.
“This event highlights the rich diversity and contributions of Asian cultures within our university community,” Chen-Zhang says. “I look forward to celebrating with you and supporting the incredible work of WMU’s Asian Initiatives.”
Spring Gala 2025 will feature moving scenes from the Peking opera performed by award-winning actress Linghui Tu and actor Suosen Lv.
There will be performances by the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra and the Kalamazoo Children’s Chorus, as well as 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.
Students of Comstock Early Learning Academy will also retell traditional nursery rhymes in Chinese.
“This is more than just a showcase; it's a heartfelt celebration of our rich heritage, designed to foster connections and enrich the cultural landscape of the greater Kalamazoo community,” says Karin Li, artistic director and performer.
Participants will experience the vibrant tapestry of Asian arts, featuring mesmerizing Chinese traditional fan dances, an Asian music orchestra, enchanting opera performances and a diverse array of other artistic expressions, Li adds.
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.
The Haenicke Institute's Asian Initiatives works to enhance scholarship and knowledge of East Asia, as well as provide language and cultural opportunities on WMU’s campus and in the greater southwest Michigan community. The unit is led by Dr. Ying Zeng, interim associate provost for the Haenicke Institute.
“When I speak to our international partners, potential students and parents, I always introduce Kalamazoo as a diverse community with a rich cultural life,” she says. “The Spring Gala is just one example of this community spirit.”
About the Haenicke Institute for Global Education
The Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, established in 1998, fosters an environment that supports the global engagement of the WMU community. Its offices assist more than 1,170 international students on campus and nearly 1,000 WMU degree-seeking students studying at partner institutions in China and Taiwan.
The Institute facilitates short- and long-term study abroad programs for students, faculty and staff. It also hosts a variety of global learning activities to encourage a more globally engaged southwest Michigan. These initiatives include designing and promoting scholarship and academic opportunities; providing outreach to area K-12 schools; hosting lectures, panels and events; and showcasing arts, entertainment and culture from around the world.
More information at www.wmich.edu/global.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.