Friday, Jan 31, 2014
The University will host festivities related to the Chinese New Year for students and the community on Feb. 22
by Aimee LaBrie
Though the date changes each year with the lunar calendar, the Chinese New Year shares similarities with the Western celebration on Jan. 1 — it is recognition of renewal and new beginnings. 2014 is the Year of the Horse, a symbol that embodies forward motion, a horse galloping at high speed to its destination.
At Rider University, that forward momentum is on display on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Cavalla Room as the University hosts festivities related to the Chinese New Year for students and the community.
Sponsored by the Center for International Education and the Office of Multicultural Affairs, this celebration, first held at Rider in 2007, features Westminster students on the piano, Bollywood Dancing, song and snacks, along with the opportunity to learn more about Chinese culture.
Sanda University in Shanghai and Rider have partnered since 1998 to bring students from China to Rider, and to allow American students the opportunity to study abroad. This sharing of cultures and ideas is part of the university’s commitment to diversity, and is reflected in the later date this year.
“Though the traditional Chinese New Year happens on Jan. 31 this year, we are celebrating it a little later to give our new students from Shanghai time to acclimate,” explains Kim Cameron, assistant director for the Center for International Education. “I encourage all students to stop by to see the performances or have their name written in Chinese characters.”
For questions about this event, please contact Kim Cameron, assistant director, Center for International Education, at [email protected] or 609-896-7758.