Chinese New Year Celebration Brings Community Together at UAF
Story By Amber McCain
Photos By David McCain
Prof. Yue Sun and her students, assisted by the accomplished cellist Charly Akert.
On Saturday, February 8, the Wood Center ballroom was transformed into a vibrant cultural celebration filled with energetic performances, delicious food, and a strong sense of unity. Upon entering, the first thing overheard was, “Should we sit closer to the food or the entertainment?” It was the right question to ask! The ballroom was beautifully set up, and the turnout was impressive.
This year marks the Year of the Snake. Professor Rosalind Kan, Chinese instructor and advisor of the UAF Chinese Language & Culture Club, said in her opening remarks, "People born under the sign are extremely intelligent and sympathetic to others.”
From the moment you stepped inside, the aroma of food filled the air, and the warm atmosphere made the event feel like a true community gathering. People shared childhood memories and stories, adding to the welcoming vibe. The night kicked off with a delicious buffet from Panda Express, further enhancing the festive spirit.
Fairbanks Mayor Hopkins attended with his family, and Anupma Prakash, UAF’s Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, spoke briefly, praising the strength of the UAF community. She noted, “The UAF community is rock solid. Every time I come, I feel so good. Yes, there are storms around, but we will be okay. This community stands for each other.”
The event was filled with captivating performances that brought everyone together. The Chinese opera performance showcased a voice that left everyone in awe. One of the most memorable moments was the Taiji martial arts demonstration by a 70-year-old performer who has been practicing for 50 years. His graceful yet powerful saber movements captivated the crowd.
Another highlight was the Chinese clothing pageant, where UAF students, professors, and community members proudly showcased beautiful traditional garments. The various styles, colors, and designs added a vibrant visual element to the celebration. The night also featured performances by Prof. Yue Sun and her students, assisted by the accomplished cellist Charly Akert. Prof. Sun, known for her active involvement in Fairbanks' music scene, added musical depth to the evening with her performance. Student performers included Lainey Appel, club president Zoe Schneider, Ashliegh Shen, Maria Early, Paloma McKee, Zach Chen, and Zhiwei Dong.
Lainey Appel shared her thoughts on the event, saying “Being a part of our Chinese New Year celebration was an incredible experience! It was amazing to see so many people come together to share the energy and joy of the holiday.” The event embodied the spirit of tradition and unity, bringing people from all backgrounds together to celebrate Chinese culture.
The Chinese Language and Culture Club was co-founded by Lainey Appel with Prof. Rosalind Kan a year and a half ago, creating an inclusive space for students and community members interested in Chinese language and culture. Since its founding, the club has hosted various events, including Mandarin practice meetups, cultural presentations, and a calligraphy workshop with a visiting artist. Future plans include hosting a Mid-Autumn Festival gathering to further explore Chinese traditions in a relaxed, community-driven setting.
The club is open to all students, with no requirement to be Chinese or fluent in Mandarin - just an interest in Chinese language and culture. When asked what the neatest part about being in the club was, President Lainey Appel said it was “The dedication of our members! We may be a small group, but everyone is passionate, hardworking, and eager to learn. It creates such a fun and supportive environment where we all get to share knowledge, culture, and experiences.” As Lainey approaches graduation, she feels confident leaving the club in capable hands and plans to remain involved as a community member after graduation.
