The Mosaic Lounge in Schewel Hall was filled with the spirit of global community on Monday afternoon as the university hosted a celebration of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Students from diverse backgrounds gathered to learn about and partake in the ancient tradition, enjoying authentic mooncakes and watching live demonstrations of traditional Chinese tea making.
The event, coordinated by the Office of International Student Support in collaboration with the Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Employee Affinity Group and One in Christ Church, featured an educational presentation from Dr. Yingguang Liu, a professor of microbiology at Liberty University.
“At its heart, the Moon Festival symbolizes completeness and gratitude,” Dr. Liu said. “The round moon and mooncakes are not just food; they are a powerful symbol of reunion and our appreciation for life’s harvests.”
Following the presentation, attendees broke into small groups to discuss the themes Dr. Liu outlined, from prosperity and good luck to the enduring legend of Chang’e. This interactive session allowed students to personally connect with the festival’s meanings while savoring traditional teas.
Dr. Nathan Albert, Assistant Vice President of Belonging & University Chaplain, connected these themes to the campus community.
“What a beautiful thing it is to see traditions that honor togetherness and reflection bringing our own Lynchburg family together,” he told attendees.
For international student Seoyeon Kim, a Korean exchange student, the event was a touching piece of home.
“The combination of the presentation, the group conversations, and the authentic mooncakes and tea made everything feel so genuine. It was a true celebration of harmony,” Kim shared.
Her sentiment was shared by Nirbisha Mishra and other attendees, who found the afternoon both fun and meaningful. By sharing mooncakes, conversation, and tradition, the event perfectly fulfilled the festival’s core purpose: fostering a sense of union and belonging, right here at Lynchburg.
To stay informed about future cultural events, celebrations and other programs, the University of Lynchburg’s full events calendar can be found here https://www.lynchburg.edu/events/.
