Brief History:
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Created in 1969, CAUCI was founded by a Biology student named Sam Ko and a handful of other Chinese students. Exact details of CAUCI’s earliest histories are unfortunately scarce, due to limited archived information. However, what is known is that CAUCI largely centered itself on Chinese cultural appreciation and community service work. Many of the preserved pamphlets and newsletters of the time would describe such events as China Night, Christmas toy drives, tennis tournaments, fashion shows, and various dance parties. Many of those materials would also describe CAUCI’s active participation in several community events, such as the Orange County International Street Fair and UCI’s own Asian Week in the spring.
As one of UCI’s very first AAPI student orgs, CAUCI is built upon empowering ideals that seek to promote pride in Chinese cultural heritage, as well as foster a sense of community and friendship amongst the AAPI groups.
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Early History Objects:
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See more at Special Collections: PS.033 - Box #1
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Mission Statement:
"Chinese Association is a social, cultural, and community service-based organization located at the University of California at Irvine. Our mission is to share Chinese and Chinese-American culture with the greater Orange County and Los Angeles area."
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Website link
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Notable Annual Events:
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Culture Night (33 years worth - as of 2019).
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Ski Trip to Lake Tahoe
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High School Outreach Program
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Chinese Heritage Festival
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All UCI Dance Competition
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Semi-Formal Extravaganza
