He was scheduled to depart this month for a year of study in China, beginning with an intensive study of Chinese at Peking University.

Koenig becomes the eighth CSUN student in six consecutive years to receive the prestigious award from the Council, whose scholarship program facilitates the study of Chinese language and culture.

Fluent in English and French, Koenig also has studied Thai and Chinese. A student of traditional Chinese martial arts for 16 years both in Canada and the United States, he plans to connect with the Chinese martial arts community in Beijing.

"He would like to establish an ongoing relationship with at least one senior, inspiring martial arts teacher that will lead to return visits and provide a wealth of material to bring back to his students and training partners here," said Justine Zhixin Su, director of the China Institute at Cal State Northridge.

Su said the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles recommended CSUN for scholarship consideration because of the universityÕs 22 years of collaborative relationships with China.