On Sunday, Feb. 27, 2005, the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) kicked off its 25th anniversary with a celebration held at Pioneer Square, the college's new educational facility located in San Francisco's Potrero Hill district. The event featured international and state dignitaries, representatives from the college's leadership, and more than 25 Oriental medicine practitioners, traditional artists and musicians.
The event paid tribute to ACTCM's legacy and the college's quarter-century as one of the leading traditional Chinese medicine colleges in the country by featuring a colorful assortment of cultural and TCM-related activities. A ceremonial lion dance from members of a local martial arts club opened the event, featuring colorful costumes and taiko drumming. Keynote addresses were given by California State Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Leland Y. Yee, PhD, and the People's Republic of China's Consul General, Peng Keyu. In addition, ACTCM President Lixin Huang and Board Chair Jack Knight commemorated the college for its accomplishments in the advancement of traditional Chinese medicine in the U.S.
More than 300 people attended ACTCM's celebration. Guests included ACTCM students, faculty and board members, alumni, affiliated practitioners of Chinese medicine, and community supporters.
As part of the celebration, the interior of the Pioneer Square facility was modified into an interactive arena, featuring demonstrations of acupuncture and tai chi, along with presentations on various Chinese herbs and their therapeutic properties. In addition, the anniversary celebration featured exhibitions of calligraphy, brush painting and other forms of Asian culture, such as live performances of classical and traditional Asian music. An exhibition of oil paintings by Zimou Lawrence Tan, a well-known San Francisco artist, was also displayed in the square. A large brush painting was created especially for the event to be displayed permanently at the college's new library. Not to be forgotten, attendees were given the opportunity to learn about Asian cuisine by participating in a Chinese dumpling-making session.
ACTCM History and Timeline
Since its founding in 1980, ACTCM has grown to become on of the nation's foremost academic institutions in the area of traditional Chinese medicine. A brief synopsis of the college's accomplishments from 1980 to the present follows.
1980 - the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine is founded.
1981 - The college opens a community clinic, which is designed to provide clinical training for ACTCM students while offering low-cost health care to the residents of San Francisco.
1984 - In response to changes in licensure standards, ACTCM develops a professional degree program, offering a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine degree.
1987 - The college moves to its current location at 455 Arkansas Street in the Potrero Hill district of San Francisco.
1990 - The school's academic program is accepted as a candidate for accreditation from the National Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
1991 - ACTCM's academic program is accredited by the accreditation commission. The school's program is re-accredited in 1996 and 2001.
1996 - The U.S. Department of Education gives ACTCM approval to award federal financial aid to its students. That same year, ACTCM graduates form the college's alumni association, and the World Wildlife Fund awards the school a pilot grant to begin an endangered species conservation program.
2001 - ACTCM is named one of the three best traditional Chinese medicine colleges in the United States, based on the results of the "Best of the West" survey conducted by the Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation. The awards are given to "institutions that best preserve and protect the essence, philosophy and culture of traditional Chinese medicine."
2003 - ACTCM receives its second "Best of the West" award for overall excellence from the TCM World Foundation.
2004 - The college applies to the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for permission to implement a clinical doctoral degree in traditional Chinese medicine.
The 25th anniversary celebration is one of several events being planned by the college's Anniversary Committee over the next 12 months. For more information, visit the college's Web site at www.actcm.edu.
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