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Homecoming and Homecoming Queen are romanticized terms I used to associate only with novels and Hollywood movies. Little did I realize until this year that the University of Manitobaalso has annual Homecoming celebrations, which took place this year between September 21 – 24 on campus.

This year during Homecoming, the Faculty of Arts presented the first annual Tony T.K. Lau Lecture on Contemporary China* on Thursday, September 22 at the John J. Conklin Theatre, Taché Hall. The lecture, entitled “China and US Economic Warfare: More Gain Than Pain”, was presented by Dr. Gregory Chin from the University of York. In attendance was Dr. Michael Benarroch (President); Dr. Jeffery Taylor (Dean of Arts, Acting Provost, University College, and Professor of History); Dr. Tina Chen (Distinguished Professor and Executive Lead - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion); plus, several other professors and students from the Departments of History and Political Science; including Dr. Henry Heller who was one of Tony’s professors during his undergrad years.

The Lecture started promptly at 3:00 pm. In attendance at the John J. Conklin Theatre were approx. 50 people which was well represented by professors and students. Dr. Tina Chen was the MC and Moderator at the Lecture. Following brief remarks from President Benarroch and Dr. Jeffery Taylor (Dean of Arts), Tony Lau introduced Dr. Gregory Chin, the speaker. There were touching moments when Tony was chocked up as he spoke when he spotted Dr. Heller in the audience, and reminisced of his time as a student at the U of M. Dr. Chin then delivered his captivating lecture on the “China and US Economic Warfare” for approx. 35 – 40 minutes, which was followed by a Q&A period with enthusiastic and highly intelligent comments, discussions, and inter-actions amongst the audience and Speaker. Unfortunately, due to facility booking arrangement, the Lecture had to end by 4:15 pm, albeit 15 minutes over schedule. Tony Lau presented a plaque to the speaker, and the head of the History Department also presented a gift to the speaker. The Lecture was videotaped.

As there was much interest in Dr. Chin's presentation, some discussions continued but had to be moved to the foyer outside the Conklin Theatre where a Reception was held with hors d’oeuvre, wine, beer, and soft drinks. At the reception, there was a photo session with the Speaker and honored guests, some of whom were also interviewed on tape.

Tony Lau, our UMCAA President, and I arrived in Winnipeg on September 21. That evening, we were treated to a delicious dinner at the Golden Crown Restaurant in Chinatown, hosted by Dr. Patrick Choy, former (retired) Associate Dean (Research) of the Max Rady College of Medicine at University of Manitoba, and Vice-President of the Winnipeg Chinese Cultural and Community Centre. Invited guests also included Dr. Heidi Marx, Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts.

Following the Lecture on September 22, Dr. Chin, Tony, and I were among the guests of Dr. Jeffery Taylor at the Distinguish Alumni 2022 Homecoming Dinner. At dinner, Dr. Chin commented that he thought that the "Lecture went very well, very successful". We echo his comments and look forward to the next one in 2023.

Tony took a guided tour of the Fort Garry Campus on September 23 and attended some meetings on campus, and I took the day off to catch up with my old friends in Winnipeg.

While we were also invited to the Bison Football Game and Bisons Women's Soccer Game on September 24; Tony and I had to pass the opportunity and flew home for our other commitments.

It was a wonderful experience. The Fort Garry Campus has changed quite a bit with new buildings and facilities. There is even a Starbucks inside UMSU right by the bookstore. But the most shocking to me is that good old Taché Hall has since been transformed into the Desautels Faculty of Music with state-of-the-art facilities.

The UM Homecoming 2023 will take place on September 20 – 23. Mark it in your calendar and prepare to go for some fun. By the way, another Tony T.K. Lau Lecture on Contemporary China will be held on September 21 and details will be announced closer to the date.

*In honour of the University of Manitoba Chinese Alumni Association of Canada (UMCAA), founding President of UMCAA, and past President of the International Students' Organization (1971-1972), Tony T.K. Lau (B.A. /71) has established the Tony T.K. Lau Lectureship on Contemporary China at the University of Manitoba with a gift of $100,000 in 2019. The purpose of the fund is to bring distinguished individuals to the University of Manitoba who will speak about contemporary issues related to China - ranging from trade wars and a slowing economy to human rights crises, social problems, environmental pollution, and other timely topics.

In honour of the University of Manitoba Chinese Alumni Association of Canada (UMCAA), founding President of UMCAA, and past President of the International Students' Organization (1971-1972), Tony T.K. Lau (B.A. /71) has established the Tony T. K. Lau Lectureship on Contemporary China at the University of Manitoba with a gift of $100,000 in 2019.

The purpose of the fund is to bring distinguished individuals to the University of Manitoba who will speak about contemporary issues related to China - ranging from trade wars and a slowing economy to human rights crises, social problems, environmental pollution and other timely topics.

The frequency of the lectures will be determined by the availability of funding and an appropriate speaker.

The income generated from the fund and any unspent revenue will be used to cover the expenses related to the lecture including but not limited to the guest lecturer's honorarium, travel, and accommodations, advertising, and local arrangements. Board Members of UM CAA who are part of the formal program will be paid an honourarium for their participation (up to two individuals per lecture).

The selection committee will select and invite the guest lecturer and be responsible for administering and organizing the lecture. The donor, his family members, and members of the UM Chinese Alumni Association of Canada will be extended an invitation.

The Selection Committee will include the donor (or designate), the Dean of the Faculty of Arts (or designate), and the Head of the Department of History (or designate).