In collaboration with the Campus Center Board Activity Council and in conjunction with the Provost Office’s Lion Dance event, the Center for Chinese Studies hosted a well-attended and memorable Scholarship and Awards Lunch Reception, honoring outstanding achievements and contributions within the realm of Chinese Studies. Held at Campus Center Courtyard on Feb, 9 2024, the event brought together scholars, students, administrators, and special guests for celebration and recognition.

Since Feb 9, 2024 is also the Chinese Lunar New Year Eve, the reception started with a time-honored tradition: the Lion Dance. With vibrant colors and graceful movements, the lions captivated the audience, their symbolic gestures invoking a sense of unity and prosperity. As the dance unfolded, it served as a reminder of the richness of Chinese culture and the power of tradition to unite communities in celebration.

Following the lion dance, CCS director Ming-Bao Yue welcomed everyone and introduced the special guests for this event that included UHM Provost Michael Bruno, Chief Global Officer Brent White, CALL Dean Peter Arnade and CALL Associate Dean Gaye Chan, Professor Emeritus Roger Ames and his wife Bonnie, and former CCS Associate Director Cyndy Ning. The highlight of the reception was the presentation of scholarships and awards to deserving individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and passion for Chinese Studies. On behalf of the CCS Scholarship Committee (Co-Chairs Wei Zhang, Sociology & Ivan Hsing Wen, TIM; Charles Booth, Law School; Christian Peterson, Anthropology; Baoyan Cheng, Educational Foundation Department-COE),  Co-Chair Wei Zhang announced the recipients of the Ah Kin Buck Yee and the Eu Tong Sen scholarships, and the Ning Prize awardees for the year 2024-2025. 

Beyond the recognition of achievements, the reception also served as a platform for fostering connections and building networks within the Chinese Studies community and the UHM academic constituencies working with China/Chinese data. Attendees engaged in lively discussions, exchanged ideas, and forged meaningful connections that will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of the field in the years to come.