About 500 people from GVSU and the local Chinese community are expected to attend the celebration, which will include dance performances, Kung-Fu demonstrations, folk songs, a performance on Chinese musical instruments and a fashion show featuring traditional Chinese costumes. Attendees can also learn how to write their name in Chinese.
GVSU President Arend Lubbers, who initiated the university's sponsorship of the event, will provide remarks.
Grand Valley's hosting of the Chinese New Year Celebration is an example of the university's commitment to embrace diversity, said China native Peimin Ni, associate professor of Philosophy at GVSU and an organizer of the event. It's a chance for Grand Valley to reach out and establish closer ties between the school and the local international community, he said.
Charles An, president of the Chinese Association of West Michigan, said that China is an increasing presence in West Michigan, with 30-35 percent of local businesses having ties to China. Correspondingly, the local Chinese population is growing as business becomes more globalized. West Michigan's high-tech automotive, furniture, computer, medical and research industries are key attractions for educated Chinese immigrants, he said.
Reservations are no longer available, as the event as reached its capacity attendance.
