In Chinese tradition, the mooncake represents harmony, gratitude, and unity.
So it felt auspicious that Huajing Maske, the new director of the Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture at UNLV, shared servings of this sweet, rich pastry with Chinese language students during her first day on campus in October.
The Sands Institute was established in December 2024, fueled by a $15 million commitment from Las Vegas Sands Corp. It began rolling out a medley of programs, including a free Chinese language class, for UNLV students and the public this year. The institute, Maske says, will serve both the needs and interests of our very diverse region through Chinese language and cultural education, global exchanges, and intercultural dialogues.
The Chinese language course exemplifies the spirit of this mission. Its 30 participants are learning not only the fundamentals of Mandarin, but also a sweeping overview of Chinese culture. They are there for a variety of reasons: One attendee wants to understand her Chinese godchildren’s heritage; another plans to study for a master’s degree at a Chinese university; and another, a UNLV biology major, is there simply “because it’s fun to learn.”
The Sands Institute also addresses a wide range of important regional needs. The tourism and gaming industries can better understand and attract Chinese visitors; local agencies can more effectively serve our state’s significant Chinese-American population; and Nevada’s workforce can prepare more strategically to compete in a global marketplace.
Maske believes the Sands Institute can “build a bridge for people-to-people connections” that will change lives and create a foundation for positive U.S.-China relations. She reaches back in history to cite the so-called “ping pong” diplomacy of the 1970s, when a random table tennis game between American and Chinese players inspired the Chinese government to invite the U.S. team to China. It was a pivotal exchange that led to a historic normalization of the two powers’ relations.
Even as recent political currents challenge these ties, Maske sees the enduring value of intercultural dialogue and understanding. “Our young people deserve every opportunity to have open minds, to learn different perspectives,” she says. “We can start at the grassroots level to de-escalate tensions, and when the political climate changes, our students will be ready. They will have a foundation that will let them succeed as global citizens.”
Kate Korgan, acting executive vice president and provost, adds, “We’re committed to giving students meaningful ways to engage with the world. Through the Sands Institute, our students will encounter new ideas and perspectives that can help shape how they communicate and collaborate with others.”
UNLV Interim President Chris Heavey says the initiative reflects a strategic direction for the university. “The Sands Institute strengthens UNLV’s role and visibility on the global stage,” he says. “It advances our mission to open doors, build understanding, and position UNLV as a leader in international education.”
After just a week on campus, Maske imagines vibrant collaborations, partnering closely with the Department of World Languages and Cultures to build meaningful connections that reach beyond the classroom. The possibilities for connection are endless – wúxiàn in Mandarin – at a university as dynamic as UNLV, in a city as kinetic as Las Vegas.
