Lunar New Year event brings community together in celebration
Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine employees, learners and families celebrated Lunar New Year together on Feb. 12 at the University Conference Center in Hershey. The two-hour Lunar New Year event, hosted by the Asian Professionals Association, included food, fellowship, activities and festive decorations.
Dr. Karen Kim, dean of Penn State College of Medicine, opened the gathering with a welcoming message, and Dr. Inginia Genao, vice president of the Office of Health Advancement and Community Engagement, closed the celebration. Guests also enjoyed performances by the Little Star Chinese Language School and Sunshine Dance Club.
The Asian Professionals Association, a Business Employee Resource Group supported by the Office of Health Advancement and Community Engagement, is planning more engagement activities for 2026 and aims to enhance the 2027 Lunar New Year celebration. To join the Asian Professionals Association or other Business Employee Resource Groups, complete this brief survey.
What is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year marks the start of spring and a new year. Primarily celebrated in East and Southeast Asia, the holiday typically spans 15 days and focuses on family gatherings, honoring ancestors and ushering in good fortune. Traditions include red decorations, fireworks and special meals.
This year’s Lunar New Year marked the beginning of the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, a 12-year cycle used for timekeeping and cultural symbolism. Each zodiac animal is believed to influence the year’s fortunes and the personality traits of people born under its sign. To discover your zodiac animal, view this downloadable resource.
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