Global Campus Welcomes Lunar New Year with Festive Celebrations for CPP’s International Community
The sound of laughter, clapping and cheering filled the air as Cal Poly Pomona marked the 2026 Lunar New Year of the Horse with two festive celebrations hosted by Global Campus, bringing together international students, visiting scholars, faculty, and staff for food, games and cultural activities.
 |
The first event, held Feb. 12 at the International Center, drew around 65 students from a variety of clubs and backgrounds, including new and continuing international students. The celebration included lunch, an icebreaker hosted by the International Student Club, a Lunar New Year overview presentation, a trivia game and a lucky draw.
Lisa Xue, Assistant Vice President of Global Campus and Senior International Officer, opened the event with a welcome message that spoke directly to students far from home.
“For many of you, this may be your first Lunar New Year away from home. However, please remember that you are not alone here. You are an essential part of our university community,” she said.
Lykke Olsen, an international student from Denmark, enthusiastically participated in the trivia activity.
“I would really like to learn more about the Lunar New Year practices. I find it interesting that the color red is unique to the culture, compared to where I’m from.”
The celebration continued with a second event on Feb. 17 at the Bronco Student Center, where more than 100 visiting scholars and their families were joined by CPP faculty mentors. Emceed by Arthur Wang, Interim Associate Director of International Program Operations and Principal Designated School Official, the event featured lunch, a video introduction to Lunar New Year, a Kahoot game and interactive activities. Lucky draws were held throughout the afternoon.
Wang also read welcoming remarks from College of Professional and Global Education interim dean Larisa Preiser-Houy, who could not attend in person. “Lunar New Year is the most important festival of reunion with family and friends in many Asian cultures. Today, we are delighted to extend this spirit of togetherness to our international visiting scholars. You have become an important part of the Bronco family, and we are honored to celebrate this meaningful tradition with you.”
Preiser-Houy also acknowledged President Iris Levine, Provost Terri Gomez in her remarks, and thanked the university administration for their support of international programs. Global Campus team was also praised for successfully organizing both events.
Candy Tan, Senior Program Manager of Global Education Institute, said that more than a dozen faculty members were invited to attend the event.
 |
“By hosting this joyous celebration, we want to show our gratitude and appreciation to the visiting scholars and faculty mentors, and we hope that this gives them an opportunity to connect with each other and make long-term partnerships,” Tan said.
This year’s celebration carried special significance for the university. The 2026 Lunar New Year of the Horse coincides with the centennial anniversary of the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center on campus, a meaningful alignment noted by both speakers. The Arabian horse, a symbol of strength, endurance and spirit, echoes the Bronco values that define the CPP community.
Together, the two events reflected Cal Poly Pomona’s commitment to global education and cultural inclusion. The university continues to welcome students and scholars from around the world and celebrate the traditions they bring to campus.