Ring in the Chinese New Year at UK

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2017) — The University of Kentucky Confucius Institute (UKCI) will kick off the Year of the Rooster by hosting its second annual Chinese New Year Dinner Celebration 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the Hilary J. Boone Center.

Guests will enjoy a Chinese dinner, a Chinese cultural performance and will have the opportunity to learn more about what UKCI does to fulfill both its mission and the mission of the university. Reservations for the celebration are open to UK faculty and staff. Those wanting to attend can RSVP for the event through Friday, Jan. 27, here.

"What better occasion to celebrate our success of the previous year and usher in the new year together with our dedicated supporters and cheerleaders,” said Huajing Maske, director of UKCI and executive director of the Office of China Initiatives.

The Chinese Year of the Rooster celebrates the animal considered to be the epitome of fidelity and punctuality. Maske believes that working together on and beyond campus, will allow for even more productivity and success of UKCI programs benefiting faculty and students in 2017.

"The success of the Confucius Institute programs on campus depends on the confidence and support from the UK faculty and staff," Maske said.

Attendees will also receive a hóngbāo, a red envelope that symbolizes good luck, given as a gift for the Chinese New Year. There will also be an opportunity to win raffle prizes.

For more information, contact Ashley Murphy at ashley.murphy@uky.edu, public relations and marketing assistant at the UK Confucius Institute.

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 Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat (UKConfucius).