Editor’s Note :
As the South Coast Chinese Cultural Association and Irvine Chinese School near their 50th anniversary, a special editorial team is collecting reflections from former presidents and principals to preserve this half-century journey.
Cultural Express launches the “Brilliant Fifty” series, featuring selected essays that illuminate the people and stories that shaped our community.
I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve as principal from 2001 to 2003.
During that time, I worked tirelessly alongside many volunteers and teachers. Standing on the foundation of the Chinese school’s 25 years of accumulated resources, we navigated challenges and pooled our wisdom and efforts to turn the crisis of that time into an opportunity.
Not only did the Chinese school acquire its own home, but we also transformed the school’s operational structure into a corporate management model.
I firmly believe these two major changes elevated the Chinese school to a higher level and allowed more people to access and learn about Chinese culture.
Our entire family benefited greatly from the ICS community, and now that we’ve resettled in the greater Irvine area, we continue to enjoy the benefits of being part of this community.
I am grateful to SCCCA/ICS for this opportunity to invite all past principals to share their reflections.
In rummaging through my belongings, I’ve pieced together some photos to capture the memories of those two years and express my gratitude to my colleagues.
SCCCA board of directors in 2002
Crisis Met · Purpose Set
In 2001, due to the energy crisis, California's electricity prices soared, and our rent for using University High classrooms tripled.
For our young immigrant families, who often started with just two suitcases and a plane ticket, this was a significant financial burden.
A group of us, including Shih-How Chang, Diane Tang-Liu, Chuanyu Ren, and Shirley Yu, went to IUSD to request a rent reduction.
A supervisor at IUSD asked, "How is your principal selected?" This question led to a deeper understanding of our school’s leadership structure.
In 2001, Irvine Chinese School had over ninety volunteers serving in the school administration, Parent Association, and Board of Directors.
Even though some received a nominal hourly stipend based on the "Point System" established in 1989, it was merely symbolic.
Everyone was motivated by their commitment to their children's Chinese education and their care for the Chinese community, giving up their Sunday rest to step forward and volunteer without hesitation.
I was just one among them at the time, except I was like a newborn calf unafraid of tigers, boldly taking on the role of principal following Principal Ronald Wen.
Looking back now, I am grateful to the parents, teachers, school staff, and Board of Directors of that time for allowing me to learn and grow, and for their guidance, cooperation, and patience.
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ICS staff in 2002
Strong Roots · New Home
During that period, I came to appreciate the robust structure and immense potential of the Chinese school community.
However, I also realized that such a large organization, pushed forward solely by volunteers on weekends, was very strenuous and could lead to oversights.
We needed professional staff to serve everyone. Moreover, we felt that our Irvine Chinese School should have a permanent home.
Our vision for the Chinese school family was like an advanced technological product: having both solid hardware and continuously improving software.
The school building issue was our biggest challenge then. After active discussions and meetings, we felt that among the parents and alumni, there was a wealth of talent, and the Southern California Chinese community was full of capable individuals.
We could pool our strength to realize the dream of building our school.
Many colleagues steadfastly maintained their school responsibilities, some even gave up or donated their stipends, and worked tirelessly to radiate the belief in building the school and the vitality of our large family.
This positive energy was highly contagious.
We were immensely happy that by mid-2003, thanks to the efforts of people like Diane Tang-Liu and Shih-How Chang, the multifaceted contributions of Karen Kuo-Limb and An-Chi Lee to the campus design and construction, and the donations from Mr.
David Sun and many other individuals, our hope for building the school was no longer just a dream.
In terms of curriculum, we added Pinyin classes, making Chinese more accessible to non-native speakers and providing more opportunities to learn Chinese culture.
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One of the winning entries for the 2002 ICS drawing competition
Shared Ties · Warm Hearts
In 2003, my two-year term ended, and due to a job change, I transferred to Medtronic Minnesota.
I was deeply touched when a substitute Kung Fu teacher kindly sought me out and taught me a few Tai Chi moves.
He said that in such a cold place, practicing these moves would generate body heat and help keep me warm.
One day, after classes, as was my habit, I was walking through the classrooms. My child Michael's classmate Emily saw me and told me that Michael was sobbing in the classroom because he had to leave his classmates of five years.
It is precisely these unspoken, yet cultivated friendships and the cohesive power of Chinese culture that motivated us volunteers to serve without hesitation.
One of the winning entries for the 2002 ICS drawing competition
Grateful Past · Bright Future
I am deeply grateful to David Wung's team for taking over the work of the Chinese school and steadily advancing the steps of the school building and relocation project.
Recalling my two years of work at the Chinese school, I am thankful for the opportunity to have met so many friends and to have learned from everyone.
Thank you for the numerous friendships and help; it's truly wonderful to have all of you.
I also believe that due to my lack of experience at the time, I might not have handled some things well. I take this opportunity to apologize to those who may have been affected.
Today, the gradual strengthening of the Irvine Chinese School and the promotion and glorification of Chinese culture are our greatest comfort.
I firmly believe that the Irvine Chinese School will have an even more brilliant next 50 years. (Brilliant Fifty XXII)
Read More：
Thirty Years at ICS Memories Still Vivid Shi-yun Chung (Former ICS Principal, 1998–2000)
Reflections on the 50th Anniversary Joan Chien (SCCCA Former Board Chair 1996-98 ）
Building on the Past Opening a New Chapter Peter Liu ( ICS Former Principal 1995-96)
Some Remarks on the 50th Anniversary of ICS. Bin Yang ( ICS Former Principal 1992-94 )
Looking Back on My Year as ICS Principal. Ping Deng Yow ( ICS Former Principal 1988-89 )
An Affinity for the Irvine Chinese School. Ann Hwu ( ICS Former Principal 1987-88)
Building Bridges Across Generations and Cultures. Susie Chu ( SCCCA Board Chair 1988-89)
From Parent to Principal : My ICS Story. Hedy Ho（ Former ICS Principal 1986-87 )
United We Strive · United We Rise. Don Niu ( Former SCCCA board chair 1986-87 )
ICS Memories That Still Shine. Phen Cheng (1984-85 ICS Principal)
Reflections of a School Janitor. JJ Lee (SCCCA Board Chair 1979-1980 )
A Journey from One Dream to a Community Legacy Mitzi Fu (1976-82, 1983-84 ICS Founding Principal)