Professional News

Confucius Institute Invites Faculty, Staff to Ring in the Chinese New Year

Video recap of the 2018 Chinese New Year Celebration at UK.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 30, 2019) The University of Kentucky Confucius Institute (UKCI) will welcome in the Year of the Pig by hosting its fifth annual Chinese New Year Celebration 5:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at the Hilary J. Boone Center.

Guests will be served a festive dinner and will experience a cultural performance of Chinese folk music by the Zhou Family Band. Attendees also will be able to learn about China-related opportunities for faculty and how UKCI supports the university.

Tables at the festivities will allow guests to try a variety of Chinese cultural activities.

In addition, attendees will hear from President Eli Capilouto and be able to take part in prize drawings throughout the night. At the event, participants will receive a red envelope, which symbolizes good luck and is a common gift for the annual celebration.

Reservations for the festivities are available to UK faculty and staff. Those interested in attending the event can RSVP here.

“The UK Confucius Institute is proud to support the campus by serving as an instrument for programs that lead both students and faculty toward more informed global citizenship and heightened intercultural competency. The Chinese New Year celebration is part of such effort,” said Huajing Maske, executive director of both UKCI and the Office of China Initiatives. “I hope faculty and staff who participate in the celebration will find it both entertaining and educational.”

The pig is a symbol of wealth and fortune. Pigs are known to have a beautiful personality and can be blessed with good fortune. Each year one of the 12 zodiac animals represents the Chinese New Year.

A gateway for Chinese language, culture and art to the people of Kentucky, UK Confucius Institute provides leadership, support and coordination for Chinese language and programs in K-12 schools as well as on UK's campus; assists and facilitates establishing and maintaining faculty and student exchanges between UK colleges and Chinese universities; conducts Chinese language and cultural exchange; and promotes education about China on campus, across the Bluegrass region, and throughout the Commonwealth. To keep up with UK Confucius Institute and future events, join the institute's listerv and follow them on FacebookTwitter and Snapchat (UKConfucius).

photo of 2019 Chinese New Year web banner
UK Confucius Institute will host a Chinese New Year Celebration for faculty and staff Feb. 6, at Hilary J. Boone Center.