“And that’s what ICP (Intercultural Programs) is about, bringing people together, celebrating different cultures on campus. It shows the heart of Trinity, and it’s our heart too.”
— Kiara Louw, 2nd year inter-disciplinary major in Biotechnology and Business Administration
Spring Festival is about people coming together, says Kevin Chai, a student leader in Intercultural Programs (ICP).
The 4th year Business Administration major is one of the organizers of this week's campus events in celebration of Spring Festival, also known as Lunar New Year.
“We want to try to bring that togetherness on our campus," he continued. "Especially during Covid when people can’t go home—our students might find it especially hard. So that’s why we wanted to create this.”
The event that Kevin helped organize is one of a series of on-campus activities bringing joy, community and connectedness to students during this traditional holiday.
Dances and celebration
Just before noon on Tuesday, February 9, a lion dance troupe graced the Langley campus' main walkway. Through drumming, colourful costumes and an energetic lion dance, performers shared with TWU students and community some of the excitement of Lunar New Year.
As the sun set that same evening, a Lunar New Year themed pop-up “night market” opened up behind the Music Building. This outdoor walk-thru party featured a balloon archway, backyard lights, energetic music, and a variety of student-hosted booths that offered cultural games and treats.
Chris Wong, Assistant Director of Intercultural Programs, greeted every guest coming through the balloon archway with traditional festive red envelopes. Inside the envelopes were a pair of sweets and a note with words of blessing for the recipient.
Richmond Campus leaders hosted a booth that challenged visitors with themed riddles. Further down the path, guests could try their hand at calligraphy and learn to write the Chinese character for fortune or blessing. Sparklers and bright music also added to the atmosphere of festivity.
Cross-campus collaboration
Co-organizer Kiara Louw highlights how this event was a collaboration among many different groups at TWU, including Student Life, Collegia Programs, TWUSA, and several student clubs.
“And that’s what ICP is about,” Kiara notes, "bringing people together, celebrating different cultures on campus.”
“It shows the heart of Trinity, and it’s our heart too.”
About Intercultural Programs at TWU
The Intercultural Programs (ICP) team serves the international student population by providing them with an introduction and orientation to the TWU community, and by offering ongoing support as they transition to life and school in Canada. ICP is also a bridge between North American and International students, heightening campus awareness of cultural diversity by advocating for equity where differences and tensions may arise. ICP organizes cultural activities and strives to offer welcoming personal connections for international and poly-cultural students. Get to know all members of the ICP team, along with their programs and activities, on ICP’s Instagram page. Learn more about the opportunities available at the ICP webpage.
See also — How TWU's Intercultural Programs (ICP) and Bridge meetups foster friendships across cultures:
TWU News
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four campuses: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.