For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey, 901/678-2843

The Confucius Institute at the University of Memphis will celebrate its second anniversary with a full day of festivities on Monday, Oct. 5. The anniversary coincides with the birthday of the famous Chinese philosopher and teacher, with China’s Mid-Autumn Festival, with 30 years of U.S.-China relations, and with the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

Many of the events are free and open to the public. They include:

10:15 a.m. – Welcome and introductory ceremony, Main Lobby of Wilder Tower

10:45 a.m. – Unveiling of a Confucius statue and ribbon-cutting for new office in Wilder Tower

11 a.m. – Photo exhibition and reception, “China Through American Eyes,” 11th floor, Wilder Tower. The exhibit will remain on display throughout the day.

2 p.m. – Lecture, “U.S.-Sino Relations: Celebrating 30 Years,” Rose Theatre Entertainment Lobby

3 p.m. – Campus tour beginning at the Rose Theatre

7:30 p.m. – “Celebrating China: A Cultural Tribute,” Rose Theatre

8:30 p.m. – Moon Cakes and Tea on the Plaza, U of M Student Plaza

“We are so pleased to be able to share this special day with friends, colleagues, students, administrators, and supporters from the Mid-South as well as from China,” said Dr. Hsiang-te Kung, director of the Confucius Institute and a 75th generation descendant of Confucius. “Our cultural tribute will include the internationally renowned Chinese lion dancing troupe from Hubei University as well as local, regional and national performers. We will end the evening on the Student Plaza in front of Rose Theatre with moon cakes and tea for our guests.”

The Confucius Institute is a non-profit, public institute with the goal of promoting the Chinese language and culture internationally. The University of Memphis is home to the only Confucius Institute in Tennessee and the first in the Mid-South.

For more information, contact Dr. Kung at 901-678-2595 or hkung@memphis.edu, or Riki Jackson at 901-678-3166 or riki.jackson@memphis.edu

Information also is available online at www.memphis.edu/cium/events.htm