thousands of Mainers.USM to kick off Chinese program tonight5PORTLAND — This fail, theUniversity of Southern Maine will bring Chinese language and culture to Maine in the states first Confucius Institute.The Confucius Institute at the University of Southern Maine is one of only 90 institutes in the nation and more than 400 worldwide, according to a statement from the school. With support from the Confucius Institute Headquarters in Beijing, the USM Confucius Institute has developed programs that will give students, community members and educators the opportunity to study Chinese language and culture and learn more about China as an emerging global leader. USM has partnered with Dongbei1cohort-based program provides an opportunity for teachers to become proficient in Mandarin Chinese and earn credits that may be applied toward K-12 World Language Teacher Certification or advanced graduate work.The university will host an inaugural ceremony on at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 in 10 Bailey Hall on the USM Gorham campus to celebrate the new program. Members of the public are invited to join Maine and Chinese officials to learn more about the Confucius Institute, experience a traditional Chinese performance, and view original artwork and calligraphy.For more information about the Confucius Institute at the University of Southern Maine, or the Sept. 25 inaugural ceremony, visit www.usm.maine. edu/confucius or contact the institute at confucius@usm. maine.edu.