Global Education Office Hosts Lunar New Year Celebration
The annual event, which celebrates Asian culture, drew students and community members alike.
The Mississippi College Office of Global Education hosted their annual Lunar New Year Celebration in Alumni Hall on Friday, Feb. 9, where local celebrities were present for the opening of the event. This is the second year in the row that WJTV News Anchor Thao Ta and Mississippi State Senator Hillman T. Frazier (D) attended MC’s Lunar New Year.
Lunar New Year attendees lined up to sample boba tea, which was served at one of the event’s many booths. The fried dumpling booth was also a popular choice.
Student Tham Le draws branches of Japanese cherry blossoms for her fan design. A wide variety of activities, such as designing fans and writing Chinese characters, allowed guests to be creative while also learning about Asian cultures.
Clintonians Miriam, Hadassah, and Silas Ivy donned outfits inspired by Asian history. Photo-ops with props and costumes were available at the event for families like the Ivys.
Students Caleb Grubbs and Ethan Cormier parade around the gym as a Chinese lion. The two were also seen across Mississippi College’s campus Thursday and Friday in promotion of the event.
MC's Mandarin class performed a traditional "Happy New Year!" song. Their performance included banners and dancing.
Event organizers Rachel Dusenberry and Mei-Chi Piletz drew names for a raffle. Winners received items such as ground coffee, small purses, chopstick sets, and Chinese dish sets.
Guests rang in the Lunar New Year by launching confetti. This was done in front of a banner thanking one of the event’s sponsors, Chung Yuan Christian University in Taiwan. MC is partnering with Chung Yuan to offer an 8 week exchange program and three-week camps starting in Summer 2024.