The traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Moon Festival, is the second important holiday for Chinese society worldwide. It is the eighth full moon on the lunar calendar (August 15), which falls on Friday, September 29, in 2023. Shijuan "Laurel" Liu, professor of Chinese Language and Culture, organized the annual celebration of the festival together with student leaders of the IUP Chinese Language and Culture Club and Asian Studies Club.
The celebration was held in Room 113, Jane Leonard Hall, on September 29, 2023. Participants learned stories about the festival and associated Chinese phrases and music, as well as participated in hands-on activities related to the moon, played Chinese board games, and other activities. They also tasted the festive food, Chinese moon cakes. The event was well attended and included both domestic and international students. It also drew some participants from outside IUP.
Earlier that day, during the lunch common hour, Liu also discussed the festival with participants in the library of the Department of Foreign Languages in room 203, McElhaney Hall, as part of the FNLG Friday Fete series.
The event is partly funded by the Han-Qiao Chinese program enhancement funds. The funds were established in January 2022, donated by Shenggao Han and his wife, Xiaowen Qiao, who are local medical practitioners in Indiana and strong supporters of the IUP Chinese program for many years.