伊莱恩·马歇尔与卫高荣（右二）、牛志文（左一）、李勐（右一）、柯秀亭（左二）
【华e生活·北美发布】
冬日的阳光透过凯瑞 Prestonwood 乡村俱乐部面向高尔夫球场的窗户洒入室内，暖意与美景交织，与席间的人声与笑语相映成趣。
在11月23日这个特别的中午，美中经文协会（CAECA）邀请北卡三角地区政、商、学界五十余位嘉宾齐聚一堂，共同庆祝一位传奇女性的八十寿辰——自1997年起在北卡政坛稳坐近三十年的州务卿伊莱恩·马歇尔（Elaine Marshall）。
副秘书长郑洁悄悄在蛋糕上“做了手脚”：插上一支“60岁”的蜡烛，寄寓大家的祝福——这位寿星精神矍铄、步履轻盈，确实比实际年龄年轻许多。
马歇尔分享蛋糕
出生于1945年11月18日的马歇尔是华人社区的老朋友。年轻时因爱情来到北卡，在坎贝尔大学取得法律博士学位，因公益而走上政坛，从州参议员再到州务卿，书写了持续三十余年的竞选连胜纪录。
巧合的是，当天正是前联邦众议员威利·尼科尔（Wiley Nickel）的生日——出生于1975年11月23日的他笑着说：“我告诉John Wei（卫高荣，CAECA 创会主席），谢谢你的邀请——这个庆祝会和我自己的生日派对‘撞车’了。”
CAECA 董事会主席牛志文（Steve Niu）在致辞中表示，这不仅是两位政坛领袖的庆生会，更是对跨文化友谊的礼赞，也是庆祝美中经文协会十余年来在中美民间交流与多元文化建设上结出的丰硕成果。
威利·尼克尔与部分主宾
双寿同庆：政治舞台与华人社区的双向奔赴
手捧鲜花被簇拥着合影，满心喜悦分切生日蛋糕，马歇尔的讲话发自肺腑：
“在过去几十年里，我认识了华人社区的许多成员。John Wei（卫高荣）总是那个‘引路人’（Wei 与 way 谐音），他是优秀的连接者，把不同文化、不同背景的人聚在一起，为的是共同的利益——更深的友谊、更强的国际联系，以及更和平的世界。”
马歇尔与部分主宾
她动情地说：“请允许我说声‘谢谢’。这是一个非常棒的生日午宴。谢谢你们的到来，谢谢美中经文协会的美意，更感谢大家今天延续或创造了新的友谊。”
同样是律师的威利·尼科尔从8年前参选州参议员起，便走进华人社区寻求支持。当选后，他不遗余力鼓励华人参政，对刘广亚、穆淑云、Bella Huang 先后从政当选议员发挥了至关重要的影响作用。
他说：“能够作为你们在北卡的声音——无论是州参议员、国会议员，还是未来的威克县地区检察官——都是我莫大的荣幸。”对他而言，来自华人社区的不仅是选票，更是深厚的信任。
双寿共庆，使这场聚会多了一层“命运巧合”与“友情交汇”的意味。
政要云集：从国会到市政厅的真情祝福
来自联邦、州、市多层级的政要齐聚一堂，见证这一温暖的时刻。
国会议员黛博拉·罗斯讲话
联邦众议员黛博拉·罗斯（Deborah Ross）一开场便为现场增添暖意：
“我们的州和威克县一直欢迎来自世界各地的人们，欢迎他们带来的文化与经济发展。”尽管当前政治环境并非总是友善，她强调：“但我们始终与华人社区站在一起，在疫情期间便可以看到这一点。”
恰逢感恩节，她说：“这是一场凝聚人心、感恩新老朋友的完美聚会。它提醒我们，我们彼此是朋友，享受同桌共餐，并永远欢迎来自不同文化背景的人们加入。”
另一位联邦众议员 Valerie Foushee 派代表到场送上祝福。
州议员、众议院民主党副领袖 Cynthia Ball
州议员Maria Cervania
州议员、众议院民主党副领袖 Cynthia Ball，州议员Maria Cervania，凯瑞市议员 Lori Bush、Carissa Johnson、Michelle Craig，维克郡委员会副主席 Don Mial，新任 Apex 市议员穆淑云……来自政界的祝福汇成一个信息：
一个社区是否成功，不在于人数，而在于凝聚力。
维克郡委员会副主席 Don Mial
凯瑞市议员 Lori Bush
凯瑞市议员Carissa Johnson
凯瑞市议员Michelle Craig
新任 Apex 市议员穆淑云
学术之光闪耀：华人学者的担当与贡献
近年来少见，北卡学术界代表成群走入华人社区的政治文化聚会。
杜克大学、北卡州立大学、坎贝尔大学的教授、院长、主任们围坐一堂，不谈职称、不讲论文，而是交流北卡的未来与跨文化合作。
杜克大学研究生院副院长李艳
杜克大学电气与计算机工程系主任李海
杜克大学电气与计算机工程系教授陈怡然
杜克大学亚洲太平洋研究学院院长刘康
杜克大学亚洲太平洋研究学院院长刘康教授说：
“十年来，我们每年带江苏大学生参观州务卿办公室，伊莱恩总是给予最宝贵的支持。”
“如今，我看到越来越多华人面孔参与公共事务——这是新的开始。”
杜克大学研究生院副院长李艳，杜克大学电气与计算机工程系主任李海、机电系教授陈怡然，杜克大学脑卒中与血管神经病学主任冯韦恩，坎贝尔大学钢琴系主任乔何鑫等，均为寿星送上祝福，也分享自己的研究工作。学术与社区间的桥梁，在这个中午格外清晰。
北卡州立大学学术战略与创新高级副教务长陈航
北卡州立大学学术战略与创新高级副教务长陈航带着儿子出席，她有感而发：“如果有一天别人回忆起我，我最希望被家人、朋友、同事与社区如何记住？工作固然重要，但那只是身份的一部分。”“我希望自己做到善良、慷慨、真诚、专注。假期临近，希望大家都能慢下来，享受当下，陪伴家人和朋友，与大家共享这段美好时光。”
坎贝尔大学钢琴系主任乔何鑫（左二）
恰逢聚会：冷链巨鳄邂逅北卡机遇
来自中国的上市企业——山东华晶家电玻璃有限公司董事长李新田，七年前在美国投资建厂，此行到北卡拜访牛志文，恰逢聚会便欣然出席。
山东华晶家电玻璃有限公司董事长李新田
山东华晶的后补式冷库设备服务 Costco、7-Eleven，深耕这个行业中，他们在中国名列第一，美国排名前三。他透露，公司正筹备在纳斯达克上市。
随行的弟弟李新勇目前在加拿大运营全产业链农场，计划向美国拓展。兄弟俩的分享刚结束，伊莱恩·马歇尔便亲切地将他们请到身边交流，诚挚邀请他们来北卡投资。
马歇尔与李新田、李新勇交流
她在致辞中用一组数据展现北卡经济的活力：
“上周一，我们州注册了900多家新企业！平均每天都有650到700家新公司诞生。”
这是一个资深政治家对经济脉搏的敏锐，也是她80岁仍“精力满格”的最好注解。
一场生日会，映照社区的成熟、自信与团结
CAECA会长李勐从夏洛特赶来，用镜头记录每一刻；主持人唐敏沉稳优雅，获得维克郡委员会副主席 Don Mial 的当场点赞。
主持人、美中经文协会秘书长 唐敏
主席牛志文简洁有力地表达了社区愿景：“我们的目标，是带来就业、创造税收、稳定经济。我们要做最好的华人社团。”
这是一个社区走向成熟的重要标志——不仅参与庆祝，更参与建设。
在午宴接近尾声时，马歇尔再次起身，以她温和而坚定的语气说：
“这不仅仅是一个生日派对，我们是在庆祝‘友谊’。”“这就是政府应有的样子，是社区应有的样子，是经济发展应有的样子。”
阳光落在她的银发上，也落在每一张笑容洋溢的面庞上。
那一刻，人们意识到——
这场聚会不仅是为政坛常青树庆生，更是为北卡的未来、为跨文化的信任、为共同的家园点亮一盏温暖长灯。
At the Crossroads of Friendship and Time:A Celebration of Elaine Marshall’s 80th Birthday and Wiley Nickel’s 50th Birthday
Chinese E-Life · North America Post
Winter sunlight streamed through the windows overlooking the golf course at the Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, casting a warm glow that mingled with the laughter and lively conversations inside.
On the afternoon of November 23, more than fifty leaders from the political, business, and academic communities across North Carolina’s Triangle Region gathered at the invitation of the Chinese American Economic and Cultural Association (CAECA) to celebrate the 80th birthday of a legendary figure—North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, who has held statewide office since 1997.
Deputy Secretary General Jie Zheng added a playful touch to the birthday cake by placing a “60” candle on top—symbolizing everyone’s shared wish for the birthday honoree, who indeed appears far younger than her age, with her energetic presence and light steps.
Born on November 18, 1945, Marshall has long been a good friend of the Chinese American community. She moved to North Carolina for love in her youth, earned her J.D. from Campbell University, and entered public service through volunteerism—going from state senator to secretary of state and maintaining an unparalleled record of electoral success for over three decades.
As fate would have it, the day was also former U.S. Representative Wiley Nickel’s birthday. Born on November 23, 1975, he joked, “I told John Wei (CAECA founding president), thank you for the invitation—this celebration actually overlaps with my own birthday!”
In his remarks, CAECA Board Chair Steve Niu emphasized that this gathering was not only a birthday celebration for two respected political leaders, but also a tribute to cross-cultural friendship and a recognition of CAECA’s longstanding work in U.S.–China people-to-people exchange and multicultural community building.
Dual Celebrations: A Meeting Point Between Politics and the Chinese American Community
After receiving flowers, posing for photos, and cutting the cake, Marshall delivered heartfelt remarks:
“Over the decades, I’ve gotten to know so many members of the Chinese American community. And John Wei (卫高荣) has always been the ‘way’—the guiding path and a wonderful connector who brings people from different cultures and backgrounds together for a shared purpose: stronger friendships, deeper international ties, and a more peaceful world.”
She added warmly, “Let me say ‘thank you.’ This has been a wonderful birthday luncheon. Thank you for being here, thank you to CAECA for your kindness, and most importantly, thank you all for renewing or creating new friendships today.”
Also an attorney, Wiley Nickel began engaging with the Chinese community eight years ago during his first run for state senate. After winning office, he strongly encouraged Chinese Americans to get involved in public service—support that played an important role in motivating Guangya Liu, Shuyun Mu, and Bella Huang to run for and win elected positions.
“It has been my honor to be your voice in North Carolina—as a state senator, as a member of Congress, and, I hope, as your next Wake County District Attorney,” he said. For him, the Chinese American community has offered not just votes, but deep trust.
The joint birthday celebration added a sense of fate and friendship woven together.
Leaders Across All Levels: Heartfelt Blessings from Congress to City Hall
Elected officials from federal, state, county, and city levels attended to offer congratulations.
U.S. Representative Deborah Ross opened with warm and affirming words:
“Our state and Wake County have always welcomed people from around the world and the culture and economic vitality they bring.”
Although political times are challenging, she emphasized, “We continue to stand with the Chinese American community—as we clearly saw during the pandemic.”
With Thanksgiving approaching, she added, “This gathering is a perfect example of bringing people together and appreciating both old and new friends. It reminds us that we are all friends, that we enjoy one another’s company, and that we always welcome people of different cultures and backgrounds to our table.”
Emma Larsen, campaign manager to U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee
U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee sent a representative to deliver her greetings.
State Representatives Cynthia Ball and Maria Cervania; Cary Council Members Lori Bush, Carissa Johnson, and Michelle Craig; Wake County Commission Vice Chair Don Mial; and newly elected Apex Town Council member Shuyun Mu all voiced a shared belief:
A community’s strength lies not in its size, but in its unity.
Academic Voices Shine: The Responsibility and Contributions of Chinese Scholars
Rare in recent years, many representatives from North Carolina’s academic institutions joined this political and cultural community event.
Faculty, deans, and program directors from Duke University, NC State University, and Campbell University gathered—not to talk about titles or papers, but about North Carolina’s future and cross-cultural collaboration.
Duke’s Asian/Pacific Studies Institute Director, Dr. Kang Liu, remarked:
“For ten years, we’ve brought students from Jiangsu to visit the Secretary of State’s office, and Elaine has always given us her strongest support.
Today, I see more Chinese faces in public affairs—that is a new beginning.”
Duke Graduate School Associate Dean Dr. Yan Li, ECE Department Chair Dr. Hai Li, Mechanical Engineering Professor Dr. Yiran Chen, Duke Stroke and Vascular Neurology Director Dr. Wayne Feng, and Campbell University Piano Chair Dr. Hexin Qiao all offered birthday wishes and shared brief insights on their work—making the bridge between academia and the community especially visible that afternoon.
NC State Associate Vice Provost for Academic Strategy and Innovation, Dr. Hang Chen, attended with her son. She reflected:
“If someday people look back on my life, I hope to be remembered by family, friends, colleagues, and community—not just for my work, which is only one part of who I am.
I hope to be kind, generous, authentic, and present. With the holidays approaching, I hope everyone can slow down, enjoy the moment, and share time with loved ones.”
Serendipity of Timing: Chinese Entrepreneurs Witness North Carolina Opportunity
Li Xintian, chairman of China-listed Shandong Huajing Glass Co. Ltd., visited North Carolina to meet Steve Niu—and arrived just in time for the celebration.
Huajing’s back-mounted cold-storage units serve Costco and 7-Eleven; the company ranks first in China and among the top three in the U.S. He shared that they are preparing for a Nasdaq listing.
His brother, Li Xinyong, who now runs a full-chain agricultural enterprise in Canada, is planning expansion into the United States. After they spoke, Secretary Marshall immediately invited the brothers for a closer discussion and warmly encouraged them to invest in North Carolina.
In her remarks, Marshall highlighted the state’s economic vitality:
“Just last Monday, our state registered more than 900 new businesses! On average, 650 to 700 new companies are created here every day.”
It was a reminder of her sharp understanding of economic trends—and her enduring energy at age 80.
A Birthday Party That Reflected a Mature, Confident, and United Community
CAECA President Meng Li drove in from Charlotte, recording every moment on his phone; emcee Min Tang’s poised hosting earned instant praise from Wake County Commission Vice Chair Don Mial.
Chairman Steve Niu summarized the community vision in a few firm words:
“Our goal is to bring jobs, generate tax revenue, and strengthen the economy. We aim to be the best Chinese American association.”
This marks a community coming of age—not only celebrating, but building.
As the luncheon drew to a close, Marshall rose once more, speaking with her characteristic warmth and resolve:
“This is not just a birthday party—we are celebrating friendship.
This is what government should look like, what community should look like, and what economic development should look like.”
Sunlight rested on her silver hair and on every smiling face.
In that moment, it became clear—
this gathering was not only a celebration of a political icon,
but a beacon of hope for North Carolina’s future,
for cross-cultural trust,
and for the shared home that this community continues to build together.
