News » University Settlement Unveils New Chinese Name, Presents Innovative Production of Paper Angels

After much research and internal and external discussions, University Settlement is proud to announce our new Chinese name:



which translates roughly to, "The University Good Neighborliness House." 

Please see below for an article from New York Nonprofit Press about our new Chinese name, which we unveiled in conjunction with the Performance Project's newest production, Paper Angels, about Chinese detainees on Angel Island in 1915. 

University Settlement Unveils New Chinese Name, Presents "Paper Angels"

University Settlement House takes pride in having addressed the continually evolving needs of immigrants to this country for nearly 125 years. As one expression of that commitment, the agency has recently unveiled its new Chinese name:

With no direct translation for "settlement house" in Mandarin or Cantonese, University Settlement decided the time was ripe to settle on one name that was reflective of the work we do. After much research and discussions with its Chinese staff, participants and other leaders in the Chinese community, an internal committee decided on a name that translates roughly to "The University Good Neighborliness House."

"It’s important to recognize that the immigrant community we serve today is different from the community we served when we opened our doors nearly 125 years ago, and to celebrate the ways that we have grown and changed," says Executive Director, Michael Zisser. "With literacy classes to help adults learn English, job-assistance programs to help them secure employment, and highly-rated childcare programs so children can enter school on the same level as their peers, University Settlement firmly supports the low-income and immigrant community of New York City while being responsive to their ever-changing needs. Introducing our new Chinese name, in conjunction with this production, is yet another way we're working towards strengthening the fabric of this community."

In another, related move, University Settlement will be hosting a production of "Paper Angels" by Genny Lim from Wednesday April 29 to Saturday May 4th.

Set in 1915, "Paper Angels" explores America's historic ambivalence over immigration through a group of Chinese detainees on Angel Island, the Ellis Island of the West Coast. From 1882 to 1943, the Chinese were prohibited from immigrating to America through the Chinese Exclusion Act, giving the Chinese the dubious distinction of being the only ethnic group to have specifically been banned against coming to America.

"Paper Angels" is being presented by Direct Arts in conjunction with The Performance Project @ University Settlement. General admission is $18. Students and seniors with ID can purchase tickets at $15. Shows will be at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at Speyer Hall at University Settlement, 184 Eldridge Street, b/t Rivington and Delancey. For information go to www.universitysettlement.org