Bryant's U.S.-China Institute and Confucius Institute put a fresh spin on this year's Mid-Autumn Festival by highlighting the University's culture of diversity.

“The spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival is universal,” said Vice President for International Affairs Hong Yang, Ph.D. “More than ever, diversity and international programs on campus are keys to fostering an inclusive community.”

With those elements in mind, the U.S.-China Institute on Sept. 27 unveiled a three-day exhibition, “A Journey Through the Maritime Silk Road.” As part of the exhibition, Bryant students representing Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Greece and other countries through which the Silk Road ran helped guests learn about each country's history and cultural distinctions. A small-scale replica of the ship sailed by Adm. Zheng He during the Ming Dynasty was also on display.

"More than ever, diversity and international programs on campus are keys to fostering an inclusive community."

“The Maritime Silk Road linked nations with exchanges of trades, cultures, technologies, regions, and ideas for centuries,” Yang said. “This is an example of integration of different cultures and connecting people, and it makes perfect sense to have this exhibit on campus and in our community.”

The exhibition opening featured a presentation by Prof. Lin Yang, Director of the Archeology Division at the National Museum of China, who spoke to the Bryant community about the historical perspectives of international exchanges of cultures and trades.

The U.S.-China Institute provides students and faculty with broad global perspectives and experiences and offers China-related services to businesses and communities. Bryant's Confucius Institute was established in October 2006 to further promote U.S.-China exchanges for K-12 schools and communities in New England.