University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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HUAREN CULTURAL Emticc Since its formation at the University in 1994, the Huaren Cultural Association has been increasing students ' awareness of many of the various cultures which originated in China. By upholding its mission statement, Celebrat- ing and showcasing the traditional and modern cultures of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, while providing a means for the exploration of those cultures, the 250 members of Huaren maintained a strong connection to their cultural heritage. The Huaren Cultural Association was entirely student- run and student-organized, and its main accomplishment during the year was their annual cultural show, which took place at the Power Center in February. The annual show displayed the talents of many of its members, and exhibited performances of both traditional and modern Chinese culture. Over 700 people attended the show which fea- tured numerous dancing acts, vocal performances, and even a fashion show. A video was produced by the multimedia company Matrix Media, which made an in- tense effort to capture minute details of the show (like facial expressions of the dancers) by using up to six camera angles. Matrix Media, an Ann Arbor-based company, has also covered two 58 Greene concerts. While Huaren ' s annual cultural show had historically been the single event that brought widespread campus recognition to the organization, junior computer science major Heather Liu added, This year marks a new growth for our organization as we focus on expanding past the show. Huaren ' s executive core, which was comprised of Liu and five other members, worked to increase the sphere of influence Huaren had at the University. Though being involved with Huaren was a commitment in itself, core members also focused on upholding their academic stan- dards in addition to holding leadership positions in other extracurricular organizations. The core strove to make Huaren personable and memorable by making themselves as approachable as possible while still being campus lead- ers. Being a member of the Huaren Cultural Association was an opportunity that was available to all interested students. Liu elaborated, We pride ourselves on being open to anyone who is interested in learning more about these cultures. Events that Huaren members participated in were geared towards promoting unity within the orga- nization, and focused on getting members to know each other better. Throughout the year, members were pro- vided with the chance to attend karaoke nights, study tables, and the occasional social mixer. Huaren worked to increase its recognition on campus and throughout the community, and fulfilled its goal by offering membership to all students interested in Chinese cultures. While the organization included members with no Chinese background, most students did possess some cultural connection to China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan. However, Huaren strove to advance cultural heritage while actively avoiding the political conflicts of China. Liu summed up the purpose by explaining, We are concerned with promoting unity despite the differences in students ' cultural backgrounds. Front Row: Leslie Liao, Angle Chia-Chi Chen Row 2: Jonathan Yang, Heather Liu, Albert Chiang, Hongshin Pan photo courtesy of McGrath Studios 2 usiness school seniors Lynn and Angie Chen, and LSA junior Amit Pandya, hang out after the International Taiwanese American Student Association show. ITASA filled the Power Center for this show in April 1999. photo courtesy of Huaren Cultural Association Front Row: Jennifer Lansdowne, Kyle Ho; Jennifer Lansdowne, Kyle Moyt KowffZ: Melanie Jahr, Eric Kuper, Alex Ruthmann Row 3:Mieko Hatano Row 4: Julie Seidel photo courtesy of Horns 2000 I CD n c c Q hO O O O Organizations 339

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embers of Culture Shock and Groove Culture, a combination of Huaren affiliated hip hop dance groups, take a rest after last year ' s ITASA show. The Wolverines hosted the midwest edition of the show in 1999. pholo courtesy of Huaren Cultural Association 0) U C o O U) CO c (D CO -J= CO U (D O F c co C O - T3 0) D u (D CO Front Row: Qiana Woodard, Raneeka Claxton, Rachel Gehrls, Jennifer Barnes Row 2: Toni Webb, Kai Wicker, Ayanna Triplett, Erika Harbin, Meagan Pitts, Jenese Reynolds, Carmen Baker photo by Kristcn Stoner Front Row: Mai Lam, Vu Nguyen, Bao Nguyn, Lin Ho, Tu-Anh Tran Row 2: Guang-Minh Nguyn, Nick Katopol, Khang Tram photo by Katie Ryan Kimkru-dler, Sonia Liu, Noah Barr, Stacey Chris D ' Angelo, Christine Sauck, Two members of the Student Mediations Services groups pretend t have a boxing match. The group tried to keep things light-hearted give the serious nature of their organization. photo courtesy of Student Mediation Services . Etufict Student Mediation Services was comprised of 20 medi; tors, both undergraduates and graduate students, wh were involved in various professional fields such as bus ness, law, medicine, and social work. The members wei committed to solving conflicts between parties, such : students, teachers, landlords, tenants, and roommate using the mediation process whereby the third party m diator guides discussion between parties in order to reac a compromise or resolution. Not only did SMS provk mediation services, the organization also offered trainin which qualified participants to become certified medi tors; group presentations to residence halls and Gre( houses; and distinguished speakers who advocated the u of mediation. Psychology senior and SMS member Chri tine Sauck also said, We have even trained elementa school students at Burns Park Elementary to becon conflict managers. SMS ' s services were free and confide: tial to University students, and if SMS was unable resolve a conflict, the organization provided referrals other appropriate agencies.

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J r bv imlotrtv J,an(rfx i j JO Whether the staff was writing sto- ries, designing pages or organizing a coffee mug promotion to take place in the Fish Bowl, the 2000 Michigunemian staff worked hard to produce a yearbook that covered ev- ery aspect of the University at the end of the millennium. Composed of 65 editorial and busi- ness staff members, the Michiganensian yearbook was led by Editor in Chief Kimberly Lonergan and Business Manager Michelle McCombs. Since it was entirely student-run, the year- book office was a place to hang out, and was not just a job. Jayme Love, a sophomore environmental policy and behavior major, commented, The office is my home away from home. Whenever I have a break between classes I just pop in and hang out. There is always someone there to do homework or chat with. Because the staff was so dedicated, the Michiganensian yearbook won the Gold Crown year after year, a presti- gious honor that was given to five colleges in the nation each year. Dead- line after deadline, students on staff spent endless hours discovering new ways to capture the essence of the University. Brandon Parker, a junior English and history major, explained, Applying for the Michiganensian was the greatest decision of this year for me. I have met great people. Being a part of the staff, students were exposed to many different as- t, D peers of creating a 480-page publica- tion. Members gained skills in pho- tography, reporting, graphic design, layout, scanning, web design, market- ing, and promoting. Furthermore, being the only yearbook in the nation to not have an advisor allowed the staff to work together to overcome the chal- lenges that producing a yearbook cre- ated. Evan Busch, an LSA sophomore hoping to attend the Business School, mentioned, Because we do not have an advisor, the book reflects what the students experience at the University and is not influenced by the ideas of an adult advisor. Many students came to the staff after being the editor of their high school yearbooks. As a first-year staffer, said Andrea Goff, an LSA sophomore, I noticed right away how different it is to work for a college yearbook in comparison to a high school yearbook. The deadlines come a lot faster, but there is a lot more freedom in what you can do with the pages. Many first-year students were brought onto staff as assistants, in order to gain the skills needed to cre- ate a college yearbook. Each member of the 2000 Michiganensian staff played a vital role in maintaining an award-winning book. Whether they were having fun outside of the office at parties or spend- ing the night finalizing pages, the year- book staff was committed to the pro- duction of the 2000 Michiganensian. opy Editor Krysia Eustice fires up the com- puter to start reading stories. With red pen, she decorated pages with her constructive criticism to ensure quality stories. photo courtesy of Michigtinfisiari Front Row: Nathan Busch, Bonnie Gold, Kim- berly Lonergan, Andrea GofF, Mira Dontcheva, Heather Caddell Row2: Julie Koschtial. Meghan Ghristiansen, Jayme Love, Liz Mauck, Brook Wright. Caelan Jordan, Bethany Kolenic Row 3: Kevin Gembel, Evan Busch, Dan Hennes, Krysia Eustice, Lisa Grubka, Jon Hommer, Katie Ryan photo by Jennifer Johnson Front Row: Christina Chen, Grace Wong, Lisa Moore, Michelle McCombs, Helena Leung, An- drew Carlson photo by Mira Donttheva CD O o Front Row: Jennifer Johnson, Mira Dontchev Heather Caddell, Ashley Rice Row 2: Bobl Green, Audra Rowley, Kristen Stoner photo by Nathan Busch