Founder Finds ‘Niche’ in Terp Lions

Meet junior fire protection engineering major Brian Chen, founder and president of Terp Lions, a University of Maryland student organization bringing the tradition and energy of the lion dance to campus.

An ancient Chinese ritual, the ornately costumed dance is a mainstay of the Lunar New Year and other festivals in a variety of countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore. In addition to being inspiring and entertaining to watch, it’s traditionally thought to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits.

Chen said he was looking for his “niche” when he had the idea to start the club; any student at UMD can do the same with four other members and a faculty or staff adviser.

“I just started it for myself,” he said. “It’s created a community that are some of my closest friends—almost family.”