To mark the occasion, the China Institute is hosting its annual banquet on Saturday, March 1, at 6 p.m., with dinner to follow at 6:30 p.m., in the Grand Salon of the University Student Union on the east side of the campus of Zelzah Avenue.

Among the evening¹s guests will be CSUN President Jolene Koester, the new Chinese Consul General to Los Angeles Zhong Jianhua, as well as other distinguished guests from the community. Attendees also will include government officials, business managers and educational leaders from Guangzhou, the famous "Sheep City" and Los Angeles¹ sister city in China.

The night will feature authentic Chinese performances and food. Included in the festivities will be information of upcoming events and activities, as well as an opportunity to receive a gift from China.

The Year of the Sheep is supposed to bring peace, harmony and prosperity to all the good people in the world, according to Chinese folklore.

China Institute members who make a donation or pay membership fees for 2003 will qualify to get two complimentary banquet seats and may bring additional guest for $25 per person.

For more information about the banquet, contact Dr. Justine Zhixin Su at (818) 677-3801. For more information on the China Institute, visit www.csunchinainstitute.org.