Y. Ping Sun speaks at the Asia Society Texas Center's Tiger Ball in March of last year. MAY ZHOU / CHINA DAILY

Asia Society Texas Center (ASTC) in Houston is celebrating the Lunar New Year as well as honoring one of its members, Y. Ping Sun, by offering visitors "free" admission to the ongoing Drawn from Nature exhibit Feb 9-14.

Sun, who serves as university representative at Rice University, is a strong supporter of ASTC and currently serves on its executive committee as a vice-chair of the board of directors.

She came to Houston from New York City in 2004 when her husband David Leebron became Rice's seventh president.

Since then, Sun has been involved in many aspects of Rice and also in communities throughout Houston.

At Rice, Sun is also a member of the advisory board of the Shepherd School of Music and the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, and is honorary co-chair of the Baker Institute Roundtable.

Beyond the campus, she is also a trustee of Texas Children's Hospital, a board member of BARC, Center for Houston's Future, Hermann Park Conservancy, Teach for America and the United Way of Greater Houston.

She also serves on the advisory board of the Asian Chamber of Commerce, Chinese Community Center, Houston Arts Alliance and the Mayor's International Trade and Development Council for Asia/Australia.

Over the years, Sun has been invited frequently as a speaker or panelist at various leadership summits and conferences, including the Youth Leadership Forum and Houston Independent School District's Asian-American College and Career Day.

For her contributions to the community, the City of Houston designated April 23, 2015 "Y. Ping Sun Day".

"Ping is admired in Houston and across the globe for her strong community engagement," said Bonna Kol, executive director of ASTC.

"We are truly grateful for her support for Asia Society Texas Center, and are excited about this opportunity to express our gratitude and honor her."

While Ping has been honored for her community service by several organizations, Asia Society Texas Center said it was especially proud to recognize her generous spirit and support with a week-long celebration.

"I am deeply touched and very grateful to Asia Society Texas Center for this honor," Sun said. "I have benefited tremendously from my service to the Asia Society and other civic organization in our great city. I invite more people to get involved in community service because, by working together, can we build a better community for all of us.

"I also encourage Houstonians to visit the Asia Society to enjoy this exhibit and learn more about our community's rich Asian cultural tapestry," Sun told China Daily.