Cultural Curiosity Takes Center Stage at University School’s Spring Festival
University School’s Spring Festival Brings Tulsa’s Global Partnerships to Life
The recent Spring Festival celebration was a powerful example of how Tulsa’s global partnerships come alive through collaboration, cultural exchange, and community support. This meaningful event was made possible through the support of Tulsa Global Alliance (TGA), with significant contributions from the Beihai Sister City Partnership and the Kaohsiung Sister City Partnership, showcasing the strength and vitality of Tulsa’s Sister City relationships.
During this Lunar New Year celebration, Micah Keyan, Executive Director of Tulsa Global Alliance, introduced the third grade class to the history and current development of Tulsa’s Sister Cities program, highlighting how decades of citizen diplomacy have fostered lasting international friendships and ongoing opportunities for cultural, educational, and community engagement.
The event was further honored by the presence of Mr. Shiqing Huang, Chair of the Beihai Sister City Partnership, who attended in person to support the celebration and engage with families, educators, and students—underscoring the enduring friendship between Tulsa and Beihai.
It also reflected the long‑term vision and dedication of Dr. Alpha Zhang, former Chair of the Beihai Sister City Partnership, who initiated the connections that helped bring this collaboration together. Dr. Zhang’s continued advocacy for language education and cultural exchange has strengthened Tulsa’s international relationships and inspired meaningful community partnerships.
Hosted at University School at the University of Tulsa, the celebration aligned closely with TU’s broader commitment to global education and cultural learning. Dr. Gabriel Fuchs, Director of University School, expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to bring global culture into the school community and emphasized the value of immersive experiences in shaping students’ curiosity, empathy, and global awareness.
A special highlight of the celebration was the cultural performance and shared meal that brought students and faculty together through both art and cuisine. China Rose Arts Group captivated the audience with traditional Chinese folk dances and Tai Chi, offering students a vivid introduction to Chinese aesthetics, movement, and philosophy. Complementing the performances, a special cultural cuisine allowed participants to experience Chinese culture through taste as well, with egg rolls, dumplings, shrimp dishes, fortune cookies, and a variety of Chinese candies enjoyed by students and guests. Together, the performances and food created a warm, immersive atmosphere that made the Spring Festival both joyful and memorable.
“Celebrations like this are where Sister City friendships become lived experiences,” said Dr. Alpha Zhang, Chinese Professor at The University of Tulsa and former Chair of Beihai of Tulsa Global Alliance. “When students see, hear, and participate in cultural traditions—whether through language, dance, or community service—they discover that the world is not far away; it’s right here in Tulsa. I’m proud of how our education and community partners came together to make that discovery possible.”
Together, Tulsa Global Alliance, the commitment of the Beihai and Kaohsiung Sister City Partnerships, the educational efforts at the University of Tulsa, and the artistry of community performers made this Lunar New Year Spring Festival a celebration not only of culture, but of friendship, collaboration, and global connection. The event stands as a meaningful reminder of how Tulsa’s Sister Cities and educational institutions continue to build bridges across cultures and generations.
