Introduction of CSASC

The Chinese Scholars Association – Southern California is a non-profit, non-political, and community benefit organization. It was founded in 1998 by a group of professors at universities in Southern California. Its mission is to promote intellectual exchange, collaboration and amity among Chinese scholars in the United States and the world. The Association is dedicated to the development of science, technology and higher education and the enhancement of friendship and mutual understanding between Eastern and Western cultures. The CSA Board consists of seven directors – president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and three directors of the board. The election is conducted every other year. To join CSA, please fill out an online application form

The following chronological events mark the milestones in the historical developments of CSA’s establishment.

The Earlier Meetings

In several gatherings in 1997 and early 1998, the idea to create an organization of Chinese scholars in greater Los Angeles area was brought up. A potluck dinner was held to discuss the idea at the UCLA Faculty Apartment on a weekend of spring of 1998 and hosted by Prof. Zhensu She and his wife. The participants included:
 Prof. Liu, Yupin and his wife
 Dr. Chen, Genhong, UCLA
 Dr. She, Zhensu and his wife, UCLA
 Dr. Shen, Weimin, USC
 Dr. Sun, Ren, UCLA
 Dr. Xiao, Yan, USC
 Dr. Wang, Zhengang, Cal Tech, etc.

On a weekend between April and May of 1998, another meeting was held to discuss China’s policies toward Chinese scholars overseas. At the end of the meeting, the idea of forming an association of Chinese scholars was further discussed and gained supports from scholars. About 20 scholars attended the meeting, including:
 Dr. Chen, Baizhu, USC
 Dr. Cong, Jingsheng, UCLA
 Dr. Duan, Zhenhao, UCSD
 Dr. Jiang, Zhenying, Barstow College
 Dr. She, Zhensu UCLA
 Dr. Song, Jingsheng, UCI
 Dr. Yin, An UCLA
 Dr. Xiao, Yan, USC, etc.

The Preparation Committee and Its Activities

A Preparation Committee was formed and included the following scholars (in alphabetic order):
 Dr. Chen, Baizhu, USC
 Dr. Chen, Yueyun Bill, University of the West
 Dr. Chen, Zengshu CSULA
 Dr. Huang, Shenghe, USC
 Dr. Hu, Peisheng, USC
 Dr. Jiang, Zhenying, Barstow College
 Dr. Li, Yonggang, USC
 Dr. Lin, Lianlian, Cal Poly University Pomona
 Dr. She, Zhensu, UCLA
 Dr. Wu, Laosheng, UCR
 Dr. Xiao, Yan, USC
 Dr. Zheng, Yanping, UCLA

The committee held a number of meetings on weekends at the residents of Prof. Chen, Baizhu, Prof. Hu, Peisheng, Prof. Jiang, Zhenying, and Prof. Xiao, Yan, etc. and discussed all relevant issues, such as the name and structure of the organization, the bylaws, registration with the state, contacting potential members, and future activities.

Prof. Lin, Lianlian was charged with the task to draft the bylaws, and Prof. Chen, Baizhu filed the registration application with the State Secretary’s Office. Prof. Chen paid the registration bill for CSA and did not get reimbursed until CSA had enough fund to pay him back. Prof. She and Prof. Jiang took the lead to contact potential members.

First CSA Social Gathering
 The first social gathering of potential CSA members and their families was held at Prof. Chen, Baizhu’s house, around the Spring Festival of 1999. At this gathering, the first election of CSA board members was announced.

First CSA Board Election
 The electronic voting procedure was setup in the early 1999. Dr. Xiao, Yan volunteered to be a monitor of the election since he did not want to run for the board as a candidate. The final count of the votes was certified by three scholars: Prof. Xiao, Prof. Jiang and Prof. Lin. The CSA first board consisted of the following members:

Dr. She, Zhensu, President, UCLA
 Dr. Lin, Lianlian, Vice President, Cal Poly University Pomona
 Dr. Chen, Baizhu, Treasurer, USC
 Dr. Jiang, Zhenying, Secretary, Barstow College
 Dr. Hu, Peisheng, USC
 Dr. Sun, Dee Bruce, CSU-LB
 Dr. Yin, An (resigned later), UCLA
 Dr. Li, Lei, USC

CSA’s establishment and development was a result of a team effort. CSA’s academic image is characterized with scholarship and professionalism. Its activities aim to benefit its constituencies and extended communities.