Here is our CSA Executive Board 2010-11:

General body members are encouraged to attend to hear the speeches made by each candidate, as well as the question-and-answer session. Online voting will begin after the speeches, and continue through Wednesday, March 17th. Watch your e-mails next week for instructions on online voting. Come out to make an informed decision on who will lead CSA next year!

Read the blurbs below to find out more about each candidate.

President

Lisa Zhang
Hi everybody, my name is Lisa Zhang, your current PR chair. I hope everyone has enjoyed their year with their families, and all of the CSA events we have held. As you may know, CSA is one of the largest and oldest Asian/Asian American organizations on campus, and if elected, I
am determined to continue CSA’s legacy as a cultural and social organization. I want to make CSA a place where you can have fun and learn more about Chinese culture, and a place where you can find a family away from home. I hope you can come out and vote for me!

Vice President

Susanna Li
As Vice President, I plan to promote CSA and fully lend my support to the president. Whereas past vice presidents may have only done the minimum in taking pictures or typing up minutes, I would lend my assistance in carrying out all of the activities needed for CSA. I know that the president’s tasks can be overwhelming at times. I would be eager to step up by taking some of the responsibilities, making myself available whenever possible. Naturally, I would also always have my camera and laptop on hand to document and keep track of our events.

Elaine Qian
Hi CSA, my name is Elaine Qian, and I would love to be your Vice President of Operations for the 2010-2011 year. I have been on CSA eboard since first semester of my freshman year at Cornell. During this time, I have served as both Cultural Chair and Publicity Chair. I think my experience serving on CSA eboard has prepared me for the role of Vice President. Throughout the last couple of years, I have become familiar with the events and programs that CSA hosts every year. I hope that I will get the chance to serve as your Vice President next year!

Jennifer Wang
Hi! I’m Jennifer, one of the current Cultural Chairs of CSA. I really enjoyed being on CSA e-board this year and I’d like to serve you all better as Vice President of Operations next year! As Vice President, I hope to meet more of you, enhance member involvement through greater communication of what CSA is working on, and learn more about your ideas and opinions to improve CSA, such as with feedback slips at all events. I would also like to plan more trips and recreational events for members, such as to trips other college campuses (for CSA-related conferences and to meet with other student clubs), picnics, and ski trips, so members can get to know each other and e-board better. I hope to encourage CSA to host more small social events involving food and multimedia, build an academic network so members can get help from upperclassmen with their classes, and bring leaders or famous members of the Asian community to speak at events or meetings. I believe that my organizational skills and experience with student organizations like CSA can help me achieve these goals, so remember to vote Jennifer for VP! Thanks!

Treasurer

Fay Long
Hi, my name is Fay Long and I am running for treasurer for the 2010-11 year. I currently serve as cultural chair on CSA’s executive board. This year, I have poured my efforts into improving CSA cultural events making them more even exciting than past CSA events. Through my experience as cultural chair, I have learned about the various funding sources on campus, such as SAFC, ALANA, CUTonight, and many more. My studies as an Applied Economics and Management major have allowed me to expand my knowledge about finance and accounting, a skill that will be extremely useful for this position. I have consistently contributed my enthusiasm and high level of energy to improving CSA, and will continue to do so if elected treasurer. As cultural chair, I have proven to be a motivated, hardworking, and responsible executive board member and I hope that you will vote for me as your next CSA treasurer!

Connie Wong
Hi all! My name is Connie Wong, and I am a sophomore in the School of Industrial Relations. I currently serve on CSA e-board as Transfer Liaison, and am running for the position of Treasurer. In the past, I have been Treasurer of my Youth Fellowship — funding outreach events and fundraising to support a child through a charity. I have also been responsible for placing orders and registering for meets as Manager of my High School athletic team. My experience, coupled with my honesty and willingness to learn, are what make me a good candidate to handle our organization’s finances and continue to bring our signature events to the Cornell community. If I am elected Treasurer, I can assure that CSA’s funds will be best appropriated for the continued benefit of the membership and success of the organization.

Public Relations Chair

Xing (Shinggo) Lu
Hi members of CSA, my name is Xing Lu but most of you probably know me as Shinggo. I’m running for CSA Public Relations Chairperson and I would appreciate your vote. As Public Relations Chair, I will do my best to spread information about CSA events to the rest of Cornell and create a lasting, positive image of CSA in the community.

Wing-Yee Man
Hi, my name is Wing-Yee and I’m running for public relations chair person. I feel that I am a good candidate for this position because I have many new ideas for CSA. I am currently a public relations chair for SWE and have experience in promoting events and new ideas. In addition, I am treasurer for the recreational tennis club here and know the time and amount it takes to plan and get funding for events. I feel that I can help with many aspects of CSA and I am excited to be able to run for CSA e board.

Nathan Supakul
Hi CSA, my name is NATHAN SUPAKUL and I am running to be the next Public Relations Chair. This position serves as a liaison between CSA and other organizations. I am already a member of multiple organizations with connection all around, so you could look forward to more combined efforts for bigger events. I will also be coordinating the Big/Lil Sib program, which has potential to help out many incoming students. Families will participate in new events, with more fun and excitement. Thanks and please vote!

Connie Wong
Hi all! My name is Connie Wong, and I am a sophomore in the School of Industrial Relations. I currently serve on CSA e-board as Transfer Liaison, and am running for the position of Public Relations Committee Chairperson. Having benefited from the Big/Little Program my first year at Cornell, the initiative is one which I hold dear and I would like to contribute to its continued success of bringing new and returning CSA members together. I have always had an affinity for logistics and think that my experience as liaison among my athletic team members, coach, and department head, communication between central administration and employees at my worksite, and go-to event planner in my social circle have prepared me for the level of coordination that would be expected of the position. If I am elected PR Chair, I am confident that I will uphold CSA’s reputation as one of the most well-run cultural organizations on campus — in the eyes of both our membership and the Cornell community.

Cultural Chair

Kyle Hsu
CSA played a huge role in me adjusting to the college life during my first semester at Cornell. I have gotten to meet a lot of great friends through CSA events and especially through the Big-Little program. Without these friends, I would probably be some kid who constantly stays shut up in his room. Because CSA gave so much to me, it is only fair that I contribute back to this organization and let others experience the same. Becoming a part of the CSA e-board is the only logical step in achieving this goal. As a prospective cultural chair, I can guarantee that I will continue the rich cultural events we’ve had all year and help encourage more participants in these events. Although I do not have prior experience with the tasks of a cultural chair, I do have the time and willingness to learn.

Benjamin Lai
Having served two semesters on the CSA executive board, I have gained insight into how the organization functions. Such skills I have acquired range from managing finances to overseeing logistics. I will use this knowledge to build upon tradition and add to the success of cultural events such as Midnight Dim Sum and China Night. In addition, I will try to create new events to not only increase member involvement, but also to spread awareness of Chinese culture. I cooperate very well with the current e-board and I feel that this is an opportunity to help the CSA expand. I have an open mind so I will consider any suggestions and I also welcome any constructive criticisms as long as it is in the interest of the organization.

Joanne Lee
Hello, my name is Joanne Lee and I am running for Cultural Chair. I would like to be a part of CSA e-board because CSA has played a very important role in my transition to college. In the fall when I become a sophomore, I want to become more involved on campus and it would make sense for me to direct this goal towards the club that has affected me the most. I am very willing to learn early on about how this organization operates to connect the Chinese community. With my former experience holding positions in high school and Relay for Life where I have planned successful events, I possess the organizational skills and teamwork skills needed for this position. I am an easy to get along with, motivated, and responsible candidate with new ideas for next year’s cultural events so I would greatly appreciate your vote for me as the next Cultural Chair!

Social Chair

Eva Lam
Hi CSA! My name is Eva Lam and I am a sophomore in the ILR school and I am running for CSA Social Chair. As a transfer at Cornell, I felt that CSA gave me a sense of community and family and if I am a part of e-board, I wish to continue to promote and expand those CSA values and traditions. I am also a very creative and social person who likes to plan and organize events. If I were to be part of the executive board, I would be open to your ideas and take initiative on carrying out those ideas in making a new change. I believe that I also have the potential to bring new ideas into CSA, according to my past leadership experience as social apprentice for CSA in Albany where I organized their annual show Asian Occasion. Ideas for some events that will further foster a sense of community and connection between members would be buffet night, karaoke, ice skating, bowling, CSA night market (which is like a Chinese themed carnival where members can play games, eat food, and win prizes), Chinese poker tournaments, movie nights, and many more! CSA members should also have free admission to these events to create a larger incentive for member participation. I am really excited to hopefully be part of e-board next year, and I am looking forward to meeting with you all. Make a difference and vote Eva Lam for CSA Social Chair!

Susanna Li
As Social Chair, I would plan numerous social events each semester and work hard to come up with ideas to make each event as enjoyable as possible! This year, we’ve already adjusted some of our main events and made them more successful than ever. For the next year, I would consider collaborating with other Asian-interest organizations more during social events to facilitate stronger external relations, so that members from different organizations can have a chance to get to know each other too. I would hold social events at least every month, including ice skating, movie nights, picnics, barbecues, parties, and more!

Amy Yao
I’m a freshman in the Hotel School, and I love the passion, enthusiasm, and purpose of CSA. CSA is a powerful association that allows us to explore new cultural outlets together as a Cornell community. As the Social Chair, I plan to continue to work closely with the executive board and get ideas from you on how to make our already fantastic social events even more successful! As the current Social Chair this past semester, I learned the ins and outs of CSA administrative tasks, and I believe consistency and enthusiasm will help me do a better job next term. My outgoing, goal-oriented, and organized personality have helped me succeed in the past, and I look forward to welcoming both new and old members to our CSA family.

Programming Chair

Alice Wang
CSA is one of the largest student organizations and it predates modern chinese history! I think such an influential organization should reach out to our community much more and help out those who need it. CSA should serve as a bridge between the community and the students through volunteering for example at the SPCA or even teaching chinese to children at Cultural Center in the Commons! Being so fortunate ourselves, we should also help those less fortunate in other countries by supporting them with money we fundraise. As programming chair, I hope to let members be more involved in the community, break out of our Cornell bubble, and see the bigger picture and at the same time have lots of fun playing with cute puppies and kitties!! Please vote Alice Wang for programming chair!

Publicity

Elaine Qian
Hi CSA, my name is Elaine Qian, and I am running for Publicity Chair of CSA for the 2010-2011 year. I am currently the Publicity Chair, and I would love to continue serving this position. From my experience this year, I have become very familiar with the process of creating posters, quarter cards, and other CSA paraphernalia to publicize events. I hope that I will get the chance to serve as your Publicity Chair next year!

Webmaster

Ivan Tse
Hello everyone, my name is Ivan Tse and I’m currently a sophomore in the College of Engineering. I currently am the webmaster of Lambda Phi Epsilon and as a student assistant I manage most of the media on the CIPA website In addition to that, I also took INFO 1300 and am now taking INFO 2300; both of these classes are about web designing and programming. My passion for this field started off with Xanga and I am still very enthusiastic about web designing and programming. So if there is something I have not learned, I will take my free time to learn it and will get it done eventually. I’ve already worked with CSA e-board for over a semester and had tons of fun, so I hope I can continue with this position. Thanks and vote for me!

Goldwin Smith 132 (HEC Auditorium)

Can you dance?  Sing?  Make videos?  Or do something else?  Get ready to try out for this year’s China Night: CSA’s Got Talent! on May 1st!!  ALL are welcome!  (For these auditions, we are only looking for an idea, not perfection.)

The top three winners with the most votes will receive cash prizes of $688 (1st place),$368 (2nd place), and $288 (3rd place).

If interested, please contact Fay (fl226@cornell.edu) and Jennifer (jyw36@cornell.edu), with your preferred 10-minute time slot (note: the performances themselves should only be around 5 minutes long).

See http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=328214359506&ref=mf for more details.

**We are also looking for judges, a host, and volunteers!**

Volunteer at Beechtree Nursing Home with CSA – 2/19

Interested in helping the community, meeting new people, and making others happy just by listening? Sign up to volunteer at Beechtree Nursing Home, located in the commons, on February 19th at 6:00pm! This will be a joint event with GCF, so it will be great opportunity to meet new people!
Please sign up on this google doc: here
For any questions, email Alice Wang: xaw4@cornell.edu

Relay for Life – 2/27

Participate in Relay for Life with the CSA team!

Relay for Life is an annual up-all-night event that raises money for the American Cancer Society. There will be tons of entertainment and activities going on all night, from A Cappella groups to dance troupes to bands and more!! All money raised goes to the American Cancer Society. Register now on Relay For Life just click “Join a Team”, then click “Find a Team” and search “Chinese Students Association.”
For any questions, email Alice Wang: xaw4@cornell.edu

Be a LEADER — apply to be a CSA officer!

Want to make a difference in the Asian American community on campus? Want to develop your own leadership skills and discover what you’re capable of?

Apply to be a member of the CSA executive board for the academic year 2010-2011. Elections will be held in March.
Positions available to students that are not currently members of e-board include: Treasurer, Cultural Chair, Social Chair, Public Relations Chair, Programming Chair, Publicity Chair, and Webmaster. Positions available by petition only include President and Vice-President of Operations.

Find out how our e-board works by coming to meetings on Mondays at 5:00 PM in RCK 127. Candidates must attend a minimum of three CSA meetings.
For more information, please e-mail Janelle Teng at jet78@cornell.edu

Family Feud – 3/1

Hey Bigs and Littles!

Do you think you can overthrow reigning the Family Competition winners? Family Competition points start over for the spring semester! Be sure to send me pictures of your family get-togethers (lz234) and come to CSA events to get points (like New Year, New Love). Winners will be announced at our end-of-the-year event.

March 1st will be the family competition, so clear your schedules! Get ready for “Family Feud”!

China Night Auditions

Do you have a talent you want to share and show off? Do you think you have what it takes to be in one of the most talked about performances on campus? If you love performing, get ready to try out for this year’s China Night, which is on May 1st!! The winners with the most votes get awesome prizes. If you are interested in auditioning or just volunteering to help out and be more involved in CSA, please contact the cultural chairs, Fay (fl226@cornell.edu) and Jennifer (jyw36@cornell.edu)

In an effort to publicize our upcoming New Year, New Love event to a wide and diverse audience, a blurb about the speed-dating was distributed over ALANA (African, Latino, Asian & Native American Programming Board), MGLC (Multicultural Greek Letter Council), and the LINK: Men’s Alliance listservs. It was brought to our attention that a certain individual replied to those three listservs by commenting that our event “could be good for all the dudes on the serve who want to conquer at least one Asian before you leave Cornell.” The individual has since publicly apologized.

These comments were seen as offensive because they portray women of Asian descent solely as sexual objects, which is reminiscent of pervasive and long-standing stereotypes that fetishize Asian women and lock them into a role of being exotic and submissive.

Please know that these stereotypes and attitudes will not be tolerated at our event. Though New Year, New Love is open to the entire Cornell community, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or any other identity, we ask that all participants keep an open mind about the daters with whom they interact.

We hope that this unfortunate incident does not detract from your enjoyment of our Lunar New Year festivities. We plan on having a blast meeting new people, and making new friends!

Thank you,
Janelle Teng
CSA President

We will be exploring the customs and traditions behind the Lunar New Year, learning about the folktales behind the Chinese zodiac, and the importance behind each zodiac sign. Whether you’re a brave dragon, an eccentric dog, a curious rat, or a popular horse, everyone is welcome to attend! Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet your ideal partner at this special event!

Music, food, and drinks will be provided. A lucky pair will also walk away with a free raffle prize by the end of the night!

We hope to see you there!

There will be NO February general body meeting! Instead, we’ll see you on the first Monday of March for this semester’s family competition!

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**CALL FOR TALENT: CHINA NIGHT 2010!!**
Do you have a talent you want to share and show off? Do you think you have what it takes to be in one of the most talked about performances on campus? If you love performing, get ready to try out for this year’s China Night, which is on May 1st!! The winners with the most votes get awesome prizes. If you are interested in auditioning or just volunteering to help out and be more involved in CSA, please contact the cultural chairs, Fay (fl226@cornell.edu) and Jennifer (jyw36@cornell.edu)

Here are some of Indie bands for you guys to hear some different/experimental/fresh music! ENJOY!

My little airport

(http://www.mylittleairport.com/)

One of Hong Kong’s best kept secrets, My Little Airport is an electro-noise-pop duet comprised of Nicole (the unassuming and charming vocalist) and P (who plays the guitar, keyboards and writes most songs).

Here are links to some of their songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTpwETrBqIM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r15_zMxLMG0&feature=related

Lonely China Day

(http://lonelychinaday.com/)

Lonely China Day is a band from Beijing who just finished their debut tour in the U.S., taking them through New York, the Midwest and culminating at the SXSW.

Their music can be described as a kind of glitch-alternative rock. Lonely China Day can be compared to the likes of Radiohead with their driving rock beats and spices of electronic & synth effects.

Here are links to some of their songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sWZ1ONLip4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTBUFclEyxE

Gemini Trip

(http://www.modernsky.com/records/g011.htm)

Composer and vocalist HuZi and Wang Juan from Shanghai joined forces to form Gemini Trip. Released on Modernsky’s electronic sub-label Guava, they create an original blend of ephemeral electronic music and ballads. Offering an electronic texture compatible with vocals, this down-tempo music is a raw take on the overproduced numbers.
Here are links to some of their songs:

http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/TFQzjeUwhvc/

http://beautifullnoise.blogspot.com/2009/03/hu-zi-wang-juan-gemini-trip-2008.html

I hope you guys enjoyed the music and that this opened your eyes and made you realize that the Chinese music scene goes way beyond Jay Chou and Wang Lee Hom (Even though I have to admit that they are awesome nonetheless).