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.
SCCCA is a non-profit organization established by the Chinese community in the Greater Irvine area of South Orange County, dedicated to promoting Chinese language education and culture, as well as advocating for community service and exchange.
Over fifty years, the association focused primarily on external exchanges for the Irvine Chinese School in its first thirty years.
Subsequently, in response to broader environmental changes, it successfully consolidated community strength and resources.
This led to the construction of a large-scale, autonomous cultural center and school building for the Chinese school—a rare achievement for Chinese communities in the United States.
In the twenty years since the cultural center opened, the association’s role has continued to expand.
It now manages the cultural center and school campus, promotes heritage Chinese education, provides community cultural programs, supports Chinese community organizations, and advocates for the interests of Chinese and other ethnic groups.
I feel deeply honored to have witnessed and participated in the growth and development of the South Coast Chinese Cultural Association.
Family Commitment · Cultural Roots
In 1998, my family moved from Michigan to Irvine. My five-year-old daughter enrolled in the weekend Irvine Chinese School to learn Chinese.
At that time, the school relied entirely on parent volunteers, who devoted their time and effort to administration, academics, discipline, finance, and the parent-teacher association.
Together, they provided high-quality, low-cost Chinese education for the second generation of Chinese families.
My wife believed that while our daughter was benefiting from this excellent Chinese education, she too should contribute.
Therefore, besides joining the cultural association with me as lifetime members, she served for many years as a classroom mom, assisting with PTA activities.
She later worked in the academic affairs office until our daughter entered college, when she finally “retired.”
For me, the SCCCA and the ICS not only provided a Chinese learning environment for my daughter but also served as a place for me to meet other parents and engage in sports and activities.
United Efforts · Shared Home
Witnessing the growth of the cultural association and the Chinese school, I actively participated in the school building fundraising efforts and was delighted to witness the completion and opening of the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center in 2005.
This was a profoundly important, touching, and historically significant milestone.
I sincerely thank the Greater Irvine Chinese community for its unity and dedication. Through generous contributions of both funds and effort, the community helped give Irvine Chinese families a cultural center that feels like home.
This home belongs to all of us, and it requires our continued care, support, and thoughtful management.
Bridging Generations · Building Foundations
In 2007, the second year after the center opened, the cultural association and Chinese school faced a major transition—from a weekend heritage school to a full-time cultural center and school.
At that important moment, I decided to contribute my experience and expertise by joining the board of directors.
I was honored to take on the responsibilities as chairman of the board.
With the collective wisdom and concerted efforts of the board members at that time, we began formulating long-term management strategies, overcoming difficulties to promote professional educational administration, and hiring a full-time CEO and principal with comprehensive educational qualifications.
This transformative mission, bridging the past and the future, has yielded remarkable results over the years.
The teaching quality of the Chinese school has continued to improve, while the community programs and cultural services offered by the cultural center have become increasingly diverse and enriched.
At the same time, the cultural association has maintained a stable and healthy financial foundation, providing strong support for its long-term growth and mission.
I am immensely proud of our collective efforts and accomplishments!
Stronger Bylaws · Lasting Legacy
As the daily operations of the cultural association became increasingly stable, the composition and operational model of the board of directors became critically important.
To enhance the professionalism and continuity of the board and to attract influential community leaders to participate in the association's governance, we recognized the necessity of making significant amendments to the association's bylaws.
From 2010 to 2012, I had the honor of leading the board in spearheading the bylaws amendment efforts.
Although we encountered some resistance during the process, through persistent communication, the new bylaws were eventually passed with overwhelming support by the entire membership in 2012, laying a solid foundation for the association's long-term stability.
Through the SCCCA, I have met many friends and community leaders and gained valuable experience in non-profit organizations, enhancing my communication and leadership skills.
These intangible and precious rewards are the most valuable returns from my volunteer efforts.The SCCCA requires everyone's continued care, participation, and support.
I also hope that the current and future leadership teams will work tirelessly to unite the members and the community, ensuring that the cultural association continues to grow and thrive through collective efforts, benefiting more community residents. (Brilliant Fifty XXIII)
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)