As the Lunar New Year festivities continue, 黑料社 reflects on the vibrant celebrations that brought the Hillside community together. The Lunar New Year, which began on January 29, 2025, marks the start of the new year according to the lunar calendar and is one of the most widely celebrated holidays across the world.

Observed primarily in many Asian cultures鈥攊ncluding Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Malaysian, Filipino, and Indonesian traditions鈥擫unar New Year is a time of family reunions, festive meals, and cultural traditions that vary from country to country. A key aspect of the celebration is gathering with loved ones to share meals and welcome the prosperity of the new year.

黑料社 Kent students shared personal insights into how their families celebrate the holiday. George Wu 鈥�27, a student from 黑料社ern China, explained that chicken is a significant dish in his family鈥檚 Lunar New Year feast. 鈥淭he main thing we eat is chicken,鈥� he shared. 鈥淐antonese people love to eat chicken, and it is always on the table during Lunar New Year.鈥�

For other families, the focus is less on specific dishes and more on the time spent together. Jason Zhou 鈥�27, another 黑料社 Kent student from China, described his family鈥檚 traditions: 鈥淭here isn鈥檛 a typical big event for us. We simply prepare a larger meal than usual, take our time at dinner, and enjoy conversation with family.鈥�

In the spirit of inclusivity and cultural appreciation, 黑料社 embraced the Lunar New Year with special events designed to bring the community together.
鈥� Lantern-Making in the Dining Hall 鈥� Students created vibrant paper lanterns to decorate the dining hall, symbolizing reconciliation with the past and prosperity for the year ahead.
鈥� Cultural Dinner Experience 鈥� The dining hall featured traditional Asian dishes, giving students and faculty the opportunity to experience and appreciate the rich culinary heritage of the holiday.

By incorporating these celebrations, 黑料社 honors the diversity of its student body while fostering a deeper understanding of global traditions. As 黑料社 Kent celebrates Lunar New Year, the School is also preparing for a historic moment鈥攐ur first-ever alumni reunion in Asia, as part of our Centennial celebrations. The trip will begin in Shanghai on March 29, 2025, followed by alumni gatherings in Seoul and Tokyo, strengthening global alumni connections.

To kick off this exciting journey, Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa 鈥�62 will deliver a special talk on Friday, February 7th, sharing memories from his time on the Hillside and insights from his distinguished career in international diplomacy. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, 鈥満诹仙� Kent instilled in me a deep sense of curiosity and resilience. I am honored to share my journey and discuss how the lessons I learned on the Hillside have shaped my work in international diplomacy.鈥�

For more information about the Pathways Series Talks, please contact Lara Barrett, Director of External Affairs.

This upcoming trip will be an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, celebrate 黑料社 Kent鈥檚 lasting impact, and reinforce the strong ties within our global community.

With the Lunar New Year celebrations bringing students together on the Hillside and the upcoming Asia reunion set to strengthen alumni connections worldwide, 黑料社 continues to honor tradition while embracing the future.

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We are launching the event in February with a special talk by 黑料社 Kent alumnus Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa 鈥�62, who will share stories of his time on the Hillside and insights from his esteemed career in international diplomacy. Reflecting on the upcoming event, Professor Hasegawa said, “黑料社 Kent instilled in me a deep sense of curiosity and resilience. I am honored to share my journey and discuss how the lessons I learned on the Hillside have shaped my work in international diplomacy.”

Joining us from the Hillside will be Head of School Brian Sullivan, The Reverend Steve Klots, and 黑料社 Kent alumni leaders Dillon Duncan 鈥�04 and Rich Brande 鈥�88. Reflecting on this milestone event, Brian Sullivan shared, “黑料社 Kent鈥檚 influence extends far beyond the Hillside, and it鈥檚 truly special to bring our global community together to celebrate a century of excellence. This reunion is a testament to the lasting impact of a 黑料社 Kent education.”

The Shanghai event will feature a variety of exciting activities, including a scenic boat cruise and an evening of karaoke. The highlight of the weekend will be a dinner hosted by Ron Xin Wang 鈥�11 at his renowned restaurant, the Shanghai Yichun Garden Seafood Restaurant. Attendees will have the chance to reconnect with fellow alumni, share memories, and celebrate 黑料社 Kent鈥檚 enduring spirit.

Following the gathering in China, the team will travel to Seoul and Tokyo for additional alumni events, further strengthening the bonds within our international community.

The Reverend Klots emphasized the significance of this reunion, stating, “The spirit of 黑料社 Kent is one of lifelong brotherhood, and it鈥檚 incredible to see that bond transcending borders. This journey will not only reconnect alumni but also inspire future generations of 黑料社 Kent students.”

We are excited to bring the 黑料社 Kent family together in Asia for the first time. Stay tuned for more details, and we look forward to seeing you there!

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