Western students win second place in study-abroad video contest
On Dec. 14, 2024, three Western students, Benjamin Lewis, Catherine Bodinger, and Finn Pignataro, and faculty member Claudia Liu -- an instructor in WWU's Chinese Program, who led over 40 students to study abroad in China in the summer of 2024 -- were invited to participate in the award ceremony for the nationwide “My Trip to China” video contest.
The event was hosted at the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco. Liu and the three students accepted the second-place award on behalf of Western Washington University. The awards were presented by Consul General Zhang Jianmin.
In the acceptance speech, Liu highlighted the importance of study abroad programs, stating, “This experience not only enriches our students’ understanding of Chinese culture but also bridges the gap between our nations through personal connections and shared experiences.” She added, “Winning this award is a testament to our students’ dedication and the invaluable role of cultural exchange in fostering mutual understanding.”
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including President Jeffrey Green of the US-China Aviation Heritage Foundation, and Zhou Shuqian, president of the US-China Youth and Student Exchange Association. Nearly 300 college students, Chinese language teachers, school principals, and members of various communities from California, Oregon and Washington attended the event.