On the February 23, 2017, the Chinese Student & Scholar Association (CSSA), International Student Club (ISC), International Student Program (ISP) and Silicon Valley Intensive English Program (SVIEP) hosted the Chinese Lantern Festival celebration at Skyline College. This festival is traditionally celebrated on the fifteenth day of the Chinese lunisolar calendar to mark the final day of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Professor Hellen Zhang began the program by introducing Dr. Regina Stanback Stroud, President of Skyline College for her welcome speech. The President stressed the importance of international education and cultural diversity, stating the college will remain strong in that belief. The President’s speech was then followed by opening remarks provided by Mr. Zha Liyou, Deputy Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco.
It was a colorful festival and the audience enjoyed a profusion of performances organized by the Eastern Art & Dance Group and the CSSA. There were different types of dance performances on the stage such as a Chinese classical dance by Eva and the Chinese fan dance by Dancers Lilian, Angela and Eaine. The sounds of Asia were also in the air from the singing of several artists and the enchanting sound of the Dulcimer and flute by Ms. Peng Lu and Mr. Lu Xian. Towards the end of the 2-hour festival, the audience’s attention was grabbed by a martial arts performance by one of Skyline College’s very own students, Feng Si.
The event went very successful and at the end of the day a few lucky winners walked away with prizes from the draw that took part between performances. They, along with the other members of the audience, were sure to have gone home with smiles on their faces and a little bit of China in their hearts. The event was featured on a local Chinese TV channel (KTSF26): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLWKeVVBwTE
CSSA, ISP, ISC and SVIEP would like to thank all the participants who made the event a success. We will continue to provide cultural programs for the entire Skyline College community. If you are interested in learning more about future programs and events, contact ISP office at skyinternational@smccd.edu or call (650) 738-7021.
Article by Naledi Mthembu & Chikako Walker | Photo by William Nacouzi
