Benedictine's Festival of Asia reflects global trends

When Benedictine University launched its international exchange program with China 15 years ago, it started with just a few students.

During the holidays, including Chinese New Year, the small group would celebrate at the home of Elsie Yuan, Benedictine's executive director of international programs and services.

Today, Chinese New Year at the university attracts student groups from across campus and throughout the community, bringing crowds of almost 400 people for the annual Festival of Asia.

The Festival of Asia will return for its eighth year Friday, Feb. 20, at Benedictine's Krasa Center and will include traditional Asian cuisine, cooking demonstrations, cultural exhibits and performances featuring Benedictine students.

Organizations that participate in the event have grown beyond Chinese exchange students and now include students from the college of liberal arts, the Hindu Student Association and the Vietnamese Student Association, as well as performances by community groups like the Chicago Korean Dance Company.

Benedictine President William Carroll said the festival's rapid growth reflects what's happening in the world.

"China, as well as all of Asia, have become a major players in the world and more people are wanting to know about this," he said, adding that the Lisle-based university serves suburbs that also have large Asian populations.

"The festival becomes a networking site for government or business officials who want to connect with Asian leaders. It is an open house that is filling a need."

The Festival of Asia also signifies Benedictine's larger commitment to its Asia programs. Since that small group of students back in 2000, the university now has class sites in China and Vietnam serving approximately 500 students.

In addition, local students have consistently been awarded full and partial Chinese Government scholarships to study in China, while faculty members have conducted research and participated in faculty exchanges.

The school also annually hosts visiting scholars from China and added a Chinese Language (Mandarin) minor with an option for a Chinese Culture track.

"We hope that our own community, in addition to the community around us, can build an understanding between the two most powerful countries," Carroll said. "The Festival of Asia is a way to promote peace and understanding in a meaningful, educational way."

But Yuan adds that the event also draws many community members who come for a very simple purpose.

"People want to learn something new and make new friends," she says.

Tickets to the Festival of Asia are $20 and include lunch and a smoothie. They must be purchased in advance by calling the Office of International Programs and Services at (630) 829-6354.

If you go

What: Benedictine University's eighth annual Festival of Asia

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20

Where: Krasa Center on campus, 5700 College Road, Lisle

Tickets: $20; must be purchased in advance

Info: ben.edu/FOAtix or (630) 829-6354