The Chinese Scholars Association – Southern California (USACSA) 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.

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

A Preparation Committee was formed and included the following scholars:

• 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 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. 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 early 1999. Dr. Xiao, Yan volunteered to be a monitor of the election. The final count of the votes was certified by three scholars: Prof. Xiao, Prof. Jiang and Prof. Lin. The CSA first board consisted of:

• Dr. She, Zhensu, President, UCLA
• Dr. Lin, Lianlian, Vice President, Cal Poly 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.