On February 18, 2018, the Association of Tianjin University (Peiyang University) North America Alumni (ATUNAA) co-hosted a Spring Festival Gala with Jilin University (JLU) Overseas Alumni Association and Tianjin University of Finance and Economics (TUFE) America Alumni Association at Artosino in New York. A total of 130 alumni and guests attended the party, and celebrated the Year of Dog together.  Yu Long Bai Xi performed by New York Chinese Opera Society started the gala which proceeded with traditional Chinese customs. People made dumplings, wrote spring scrolls and engaged in solving lantern riddles. Wonderful performances were carried out. There was singing, dancing, traditional music instruments playing, cross talks and acrobatics. 

 In the gala, Shi Shanmin from TJU and Dr. Tian Yongchi from JLU were invited to share their working and entrepreneurial experiences with the audience. The climax came when the Q & A game started. People were absorbed in answering questions that were related to their Alma Maters. Li Xuelun, the master of ceremonies at the party and a TJU alumnus said that, “by answering these questions, I was brought back to my campus life. We miss those great days back at TJU.” Then, the party successfully ended with a guitar performance: Despacito and Viva La Vida.

 Zhang Qiyue, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in New York and Liu Jianping, Chief of TJU Alumni Association sent their festival greetings through video.

 Lunar New Year Gala, as a traditional activity of ATUNAA, is not only a simple reunion of alumni, but also a heritage of traditional Chinese customs and cultures. May all TJUers be sound and happy in the Year of Dog.  

By Zhang Yimeng

Editors: Yin Wei & Doris Harrington