Global Spartan Reunion
Join us for the 2025 Global Spartan Reunion in Seoul!
Spartans around the world—this is your invitation to reconnect, celebrate, and strengthen our global community!
Michigan State University has a long and meaningful connection with Korea, built through academic collaborations, global partnerships, and a thriving alumni network. The Global Spartan Reunion builds on these connections by bringing together MSU alumni and friends from all over the world for engaging discussions and unforgettable experiences in one of the world's most vibrant cities.
Why Attend?
Why Attend?
- Network with fellow Spartans and connect with MSU leadership, including President Kevin Guskiewicz, Vice Provost and Dean for International Studies and Programs Titus Awokuse, and other key university leaders.
- Be inspired by dynamic speakers and educational sessions that showcase the impact of Spartans around the world.
- Experience the energy of Spartan music with a special concert featuring MSU College of Music alumni.
- Enjoy a gala dinner with fellow alumni, MSU leadership, university partners and friends.
- Discover Seoul! With more than 2,000 Spartan alumni calling it home, Seoul offers rich culture, history, and world-class attractions.
Location
Location
This year's reunion will be hosted at Konkuk University at the invitation of President Jong-pil Won, a proud Spartan alum who received his Ph.D. in civil engineering from MSU. Dr. Won is also the incoming President of the Korean Spartans Alumni Club.
Konkuk University is one of Korea’s leading institutions, with many programs that closely align with MSU’s strengths—a perfect location to welcome the Global Spartan community.
Schedule
Friday, May 16
7:30 a.m. • Welcome Reception
Location: Best Western Premier Gangnam, Rooftop • 139 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu District, Seoul 06122
Those who have arrived in Seoul are invited to a special welcome reception with MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz and other MSU leadership, where you can kick back and network with other attendees in a fun, informal setting with appetizers and wine.
Saturday, May 17
Location: Konkuk University • 120 Neungdong-ro, Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin District, Seoul
Saturday will take us to Konkuk University's beautiful campus for a day full of inspiring speakers, educational sessions, music and a celebration dinner.
9:30 a.m. • Check-In and Photo Opportunities
New Millennium Hall
Stop by the registration table to pick up your Global Spartan Reunion name tag along with some Global Spartan Reunion swag.
10:15 a.m. • Opening Session
New Millennium Hall
Our day will begin with warm welcomes from Vice Provost and Dean of International Studies and Programs Titus Awokuse, MSU President Kevin Guskieiwicz, and our host Korean Spartan Alumni Association President Dr. Jongpil Won.
11:00 a.m. • Educational Sessions
Haebong Hall
We will be offering two exciting concurrent sessions in the morning for you to select from, featuring MSU leadership and your fellow alumni.
Session I - AI in Practice: How AI is Transforming Different Industries
Moderated by John Papapolymerou, Interim Dean of the College of Engineering, panelists will discuss how AI is being applied in different sectors as it reshapes job roles, changes workplace dynamics and raises important questions about the benefits of automation vs human creativity. Explore the ethical and societal implications, concerns and solutions AI poses today and in the future.
Panelists:
- Heidi Hennink-Kaminski, Dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences
- Sonja Fritzsche, Associate Dean of Academic Personnel and Administration, College of Arts and Letters
- Dalen Agnew, Chair of the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine
Session II - Business Innovation in Asia
Moderated by David Souder, Dean of the Eli Broad College of Business, this session will highlight success stories of alumni who have launched innovative ventures and business practices in Asia. Presenters will discuss the role of government policies, funding ecosystems and regional collaboration in fostering business innovation.
Panelists:
- Daniel Ma (‘91), B.A. Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Jane Park (‘92), B.A. Interior Design
- Andrei Simonov, Chairperson, Department of Finance, Eli Broad College of Business
12:00 p.m. • Lunch
New Millennium Hall
1:20 p.m. • A Global MSU for a Far Better World
Haebong Hall
MSU leaders will discuss the importance of investing in global partnerships, building international networks, and preparing the next generation of global leaders.
3:00 p.m. • "Spartan Harmony," MSU Alumni Concert
New Millennium Hall, Grand Auditorium
Experience the energy of Spartan music with a special concert featuring MSU College of Music alumni.
5:30 p.m. • Celebration Dinner and Spartan Gala
New Millennium Hall
We'll close out the day with a relaxing dinner to celebrate Global Spartan connections and fellowship.
Sunday, May 18
Explore Korea!
Choose from two excursions to accommodate your interests and travel schedule. All meeting sites and times will be sent via email to participants. Be sure to check your email for details. If you haven’t selected an excursion and would like to participate, email us and we will try our best to secure your place.
Half Day - 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Tour of the Blue House and Palace in Seoul
Full Day - 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
A historical tour and trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the border with North Korea.
Hotel Information
Hotel Information
Park Hyatt Seoul
606 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu
Seoul 06174, Korea
Reservations: Make your reservations at the special MSU rate by using Corporate/Group #224436.
Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas
521 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu
Seoul 06164, Korea
Reservations: Use this link to access the Friends and Family rate (be sure to select the InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas).
Best Western Premier Gangnam Hotel
(Spartan-owned!)
139 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu
Seoul 06122, Korea
Reservations: To secure the special MSU rate, email this registration form (pdf) to
Register
Registration
Registration for the 2025 Global Spartan Reunion is $50.00 USD per person and includes:
- Discounted rate at preferred hotels
- Access to welcome reception
- Access to speakers and educational sessions
- A ticket to the MSU Korean Alumni Concert
- A ticket to the Gala Dinner
- Full- or half-day sightseeing excursion
- And of course, Spartan swag!
Airfare and lodging expenses are NOT included in the registration fee. Guests are responsible for covering their own airfare and lodging expenses.
Questions?
Make a Gift
Help support the reunion by giving to the the Global Spartans Reunion and Events Fund.
