SUU International Affairs paired with the Confucius Institute on Feb. 7 to celebrate the Chinese New Year, and this year it is the year of the Dog.
The celebration kicked off with Chinese and Asian food tasting. Students involved in SUU International Affairs helped serve food to the public. Some foods available included rice, chow mein, beef with broccoli, egg rolls and sesame balls. The food at the event came from a grant provided by the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
After food was served, attendees had the opportunity to enjoy a program put together by the Confucius Institute.
The program began with a performance by children from Fiddlers Canyon Elementary School. They sang songs in Chinese. This was followed by an orchestra performance by the Gateway Preparatory Academy School.
Following the performance, there was an exchanging of cultural gifts between President Wyatt and members from the Confucius Institute. President Wyatt received two Chinese art tapestries for the university and, in return, gave the members from the Confucius Institute some SUU swag.
“We are thankful for those who have traveled all the way from China to be with us and to entertain us. It is a special treat for us to have them here. We are thankful for this opportunity and of course the language classes that have been available for young people.
“One of the most important things we can spend our time doing is learning to understand and appreciate other peoples, other cultures around the world. As we move this generation into the leadership of this country and other countries. I am confident that the work that is happening here today and in our schools will help us have a more peaceful, safer, more wonderful enriched life for all people of the world,” President Wyatt said.
Some of the highlights from the final performance was a magic show performed by Silin Zhang, and “Chinese Acrobatic: Shake off the Bamboo and Discs” performed by Lanlan Pan and Jingting Yang.
Visit SUU International Affairs or Confucius Institute for more information on other cultural events.
Story By
Cassidy Harmon
accent@suunews.com
