Big Island association reinforces its commitment to bridge cultures
UH Hilo receives $6,000 to fund scholarships for China-U.S. Relations master's program
University of Hawaiʻi at HiloCCAH‘s gift represents its second contribution to the new M.A. program launched last fall. In addition to scholarships, CCAH has donated a total of nearly $4,000 to UH Hilo‘s Edwin A. Mookini Library to purchase library reference materials and to maintain an online database system supporting the new M.A. program.
"We are pleased to be able to provide this kind of support to UH Hilo and appreciate the community reinforcing our efforts to make this happen," said CCAH President Thomas Yeh.
CCAH‘s signature "Taste of Asia" event is the driving force behind the group‘s fundraising efforts. To date, proceeds from the annual dining extravaganza have funded more than $12,000 in student scholarships and library resource purchases for the UH Hilo M.A. program.
UH Hilo‘s M.A. in China-U.S. Relations is an interdisciplinary program focusing on the cross-cultural study of China and its relation to America‘s role in Pacific affairs. The program prepares students for a broad spectrum of professions, including international education, business and tourism, government, cultural exchange, and Foreign Service.
The Chinese Civic Association of Hawaiʻi is a non-profit membership organization founded for the purpose of preserving Chinese culture and heritage on the Big Island. The group initiated "Taste of Asia" in the spring of 2003, showcasing Hilo-area chefs and delectable samples of Asian cuisine against a background of music and dance entertainment. Proceeds from "Taste of Asia" specifically benefit UH Hilo and its Asian studies programs.