CUAAASC 2024 Annual Conference: Celebrating Achievements and Leadership Transition

The Chinese University Alumni Alliance of Southern California (CUAAASC) successfully held its grand annual gala on December 1, 2024, at the Hilton Los Angeles Hotel in San Gabriel. The event brought together over 500 attendees to celebrate the Alliance’s 2024 accomplishments and mark a significant leadership transition.

Celebrating Growth and Vision

CUAAASC President Liza Russell, an alumna of Xidian University, opened the event by reflecting on the Alliance’s remarkable growth. She expressed deep gratitude to the media for their unwavering support, emphasizing their role in amplifying the Alliance’s activities and values. “Your support has been instrumental in our rapid growth and influence, attracting more alumni to join and engage,” she said.

Chairwoman Lisa Smith, an alumna of Wuhan University, highlighted the Alliance’s expansion to 79 member alumni associations, making it the largest academic alumni organization in Southern California. “The Alliance provides a platform for talents across various fields to showcase their expertise, fostering collaboration and innovation,” she remarked.

Honoring Contributions and Partnerships

Incoming President Jessica Liu, an alumna of Shandong University, expressed her gratitude and outlined her vision for 2025. “We will leverage our strengths in culture, research, and emerging trends, organizing impactful forums and lectures to foster connections and drive innovation,” Liu said.

The gala featured remarks from Hongjiang Huang, Deputy Consul General of the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles, who commended the Alliance’s role in strengthening alumni connections, supporting the local community, and promoting U.S.-China relations. U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu attended the event, while California State Treasurer Fiona Ma was represented by a delegate. Both extended their congratulations and presented certificates to key contributors, including President Liza Russell, Chairwoman Lisa Smith, and Distinguished Contribution Award recipient Sophie Yuwen. They also recognized the Outstanding Alumni Associations: Xidian University Alumni Association of America and Shandong University Alumni Association of Southern California.

Diamond sponsor Tiffany Xu, President of Sky Vision Holding, praised the Alliance’s achievements and expressed confidence in its future. Gold sponsor Xin Wei, founder of Ivy Max Academy, also wished the Alliance continued excellence.

Reflecting on 2024 and Transitioning Leadership

Liza Russell’s annual report reflected on 2024 as a year of growth and increased collaboration with external organizations and enhanced alumni engagement. Chairwoman Lisa Smith outlined new guidelines for clubs and committees and the refinement of the Alliance’s charter, setting a strong foundation for the future. The evening also marked the leadership transition, with Jessica Liu becoming president and Harley Wu taking over as Chairman of the Board.

The gala recognized outstanding contributions from member associations, clubs, committees, and volunteers. The evening also featured vibrant performances, from street dances to classical songs, showcasing the diverse talents of alumni. A charity raffle added excitement, with prizes donated by attendees.

Forums and Celebrations

As part of the full-day annual meeting, two afternoon forums highlighted cutting-edge advancements and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Frontier Medical Technology Forum explored innovations in healthcare and investment opportunities, while the AI Forum focused on the transformative applications of artificial intelligence in fields such as healthcare, finance, and entrepreneurship. 

These forums set the tone for the evening’s celebration, reflecting the Alliance’s dedication to fostering knowledge exchange and professional growth.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 CUAAASC Annual Gala concluded with a sense of renewed energy and optimism. With a new leadership team at the helm, the Alliance is poised to continue its legacy of innovation, collaboration, and community engagement in 2025 and beyond.

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