Global Spartan Reunion
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.
Schedule
Friday, May 16
7:30 p.m. • Welcome Reception
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.
Location: Best Western Premier Gangnam, Rooftop • 139 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu District, Seoul 06122
Saturday, May 17
Saturday will take us to Konkuk University's beautiful campus for a day full of inspiring speakers, educational sessions, music and a celebration dinner.
Location: Konkuk University • 120 Neungdong-ro, Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin District, Seoul
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 begins with warm welcomes from Vice Provost and Dean for International Studies and Programs Titus Awokuse, MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz, and our host, Korean Spartan Alumni Association President Dr. Jongpil Won.
11:00 a.m. • Educational Sessions
Haebong Hall
We are 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 were 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.
Half Day - 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
A historical tour and trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the border with North Korea.
Speakers
Dalen Agnew
Chair and Professor, Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation
College of Veterinary Medicine
Dalen Agnew was born and raised in the mid-western United States on a horse farm. In 1990, he graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine and spent the next 9 years as a veterinarian at the Detroit Zoological Institute. He left to pursue advanced training in comparative pathology, completing an anatomic pathology residency in 2002 and a PhD in 2006 from the University of California in Davis with Dr. Linda Munson. During this time, he spent one year as a pathology resident at the San Diego Zoo and completed research on elephant reproductive diseases, koala retroviruses, and sexually transmitted diseases of cattle among other topics. He came back to Michigan State University in 2006 and is now a full professor and department chair. He divides his time between service at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, teaching veterinary students, training residents, administering a diverse department, and continued research on reproductive diseases in beasts of all kinds. This research has taken him from rural Michigan farms to West Africa, Ethiopia, South America, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, and India and involved cattle, sheep, horses, elephants, rhinoceros, golden pheasants, waxy tree frogs, giant anteaters, hellbenders, and many other species.
Titus Awokuse
Vice Provost and Dean
International Studies and Programs
Titus O. Awokuse (ah-woe-KOO-shay) is the vice provost and dean for International Studies and Programs. In this role, he provides strategic leadership for the university’s global engagement, advising senior leadership on international programs and partnerships. Overseeing a diverse portfolio of area studies centers, student and scholar programs, and international services, Awokuse promotes comprehensive internationalization across the university, supports global learning and research, and enhances MSU’s global reputation while ensuring compliance and risk mitigation in international activities. Awokuse is also the Red Cedar Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics.
Jabbar R. Bennett
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer
Dr. Bennett serves as Michigan State University’s (MSU) vice president and chief diversity officer where he reports directly to the president and is a member of the executive leadership team. In this role, he partners with other senior leaders, deans, faculty, staff, students and alumni to advance the institution’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategic priorities. Dr. Bennett is also a professor of medicine in the College of Human Medicine at MSU.
Han-Wei (Tiger) Chang
MBA, 2009, Eli Broad College of Business
An accomplished professional with a track record of delivering significant financial and operational results in the technology sector. Currently a Product Cost Manager at Google(since S019), responsible for optimizing costs for Google Hardware Devices. Previously, as an Account Manager at Compal Electronic Inc., they were instrumental in growing the Dell Alienware business, achieving over 1 million unit shipments and generating over $10 million in additional profit through skilled negotiation and strategic account management. A Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) with an MBA in Supply Chain Management in Michigan state University(2007-2009), this individual consistently drives cross-functional efforts to meet cost and margin goals, as evidenced by numerous promotions and recognitions, including Employee of the Year at Compal.
James Forger
Dean
College of Music
James Forger is Dean of the College of Music at Michigan State University. He joined the MSU faculty in 1979 as assistant professor of saxophone and became director of the School of Music in 1990, leading the transition of the school to MSU’s 16th independent college. During his tenure, the College has grown in quality, size, and diversity, adding programs in jazz studies, ethnomusicology, collaborative piano, music theory pedagogy, piano pedagogy, early childhood music, and electronic media.
Under his leadership, the College has expanded its chamber music program, entrepreneurial musicianship, and focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, health and wellbeing initiatives. He led the creation of Community Music Schools in East Lansing (1993) and Detroit (2009) that serve more than 2,500 adults and children weekly.
Sonja Fritzsche
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Administration
College of Arts and Letters
Dr. Sonja Fritzsche is Professor of German Studies and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Administration in the College of Arts & Letters at Michigan State University. Select publications include: The Routledge Companion to Gender and Science Fiction (2023) co-editor, Science Fiction Circuits of the South and East (2018) co-editor, The Liverpool Companion to World Science Fiction Film (2014, 2021) editor, and the open access Science Fiction Literature in East Germany (2006). Dr. Fritzsche’s scholarship has appeared in six languages, including Chinese, Portuguese, Romanian, and Russian. Fritzsche was 2015 President of the Association of Language Departments, and has received grants from Fulbright, the German Academic Exchange Service, and the Mellon Foundation. She accepted the 2024 Delphi Award on behalf of the College of Arts & Letters from the University of Southern California's Pullias Center for Higher Education for her work supporting non-tenure track faculty as full academic partners. Fritzsche is also a co-author of an article on the Charting Pathways of Intellectual Leadership (CPIL) initiative together with colleagues Bill Hart-Davidson and Chris Long and co-creator of the CPIL Toolbox.
Kevin M. Guskiewicz
President
Michigan State University
Kevin M. Guskiewicz, a neuroscientist, academic leader and concussion researcher, was appointed president-elect of Michigan State University on Dec. 8, 2023, by the MSU Board of Trustees and started as president on March 4, 2024.
Heidi Hennink-Kaminski
Dean
College of Communication Arts and Sciences
Heidi Hennink-Kaminski, Ph.D., is dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and professor in the Department of Advertising + Public Relations. She has more than a decade of academic leadership, and 15 years of corporate and agency experience, with a strong track record in program development, research-driven strategy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Before joining ComArtSci, she served as the Hugh Morton Distinguished Professor at UNC-Chapel Hill and held key leadership roles, including interim dean and senior associate dean at the Hussman School of Journalism and Media. Her research centers on interdisciplinary health communication and has been supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Defense. She has a proven track record of strengthening programs through strategic planning, collaboration, and a focus on innovation. A passionate educator, Heidi is committed to creating learning environments that connect classroom knowledge with real-world application — earning multiple awards for teaching innovation. She holds degrees from the University of Michigan, Western Michigan University, and the University of Georgia.
Andrew Johnston
ATCT, 1986, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Andrew is General Manager, Director of Agronomy, and Resident Golf Course Architect at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore. One of the world’s most acclaimed golf destinations. With over 40 years in the golf industry and more than 100 projects globally, he has led Sentosa to earn titles such as, the World’s Best Golf Club and World’s Most Eco-Friendly Golf Facility.
Andrew is also the founder of Twisted Earth Golf Design, where he continues to shape award-winning courses worldwide.
Minjung Kim
MM, 2003, Music Performance
DMA, 2007, Music Performance
Minjung Kim graduated from Yewon School, Seoul Arts High School, and earned her Bachelor of Music from Yonsei University. She went on to complete both her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Piano Performance at Michigan State University.
Dr. Kim has appeared as a soloist with the Trujillo Symphony Orchestra in Peru, the Michigan State University Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras, the Seoul Symphony Orchestra, among others. She has actively performed in numerous solo recitals and chamber music concerts both in Korea and internationally.
Mike Lindhout
Senior Director
International Advancement
Mike Lindhout is a proud Spartan who graduated from the MSU Broad College of Business in 1995 with a degree in business administration. After college, he joined the Peace Corps and served as a Small Business Development Volunteer in rural Nicaragua. This experience eventually led to a career in non-profit management and international development.
Abu Bakar Ngah
MS, 1989, College of Engineering
Bakar is a Digital Transformation consultant, speaker, trainer, coach and learning facilitator. His main interests are Digital Transformation, IR4.0, Blockchain, Design Thinking, Futures Thinking and Social Entrepreneurship. He is currently pursuing his PhD at Universiti Malaysia Pahang with his research on the application of Blockchain technology for halal supply chains. H has been invited to speak at various events (local and international) to talk on his areas of expertise. Bakar is a Professional Technologist (Ts.) and also currently serves as a member of Industry Advisory Panel and adjunct lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), Malaysia.
John Papapolymerou
Interim Dean
College of Engineering
MSU Research Foundation Professor, John Papapolymerou, serves as interim dean of the College of Engineering at Michigan State University, where he leads eight academic departments and two academic programs. He also serves as director of the MSU Space Electronics Initiative, a college collaboration with MSU’s Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). Under his leadership, college research, teaching and innovation continue to generate high- impact opportunities and advancements to fuel workforce and economic development around the world.
Jane Park
BA, 1992, College of Human Ecology
With a basis of global educations and work experience, Jane Park is working as a Creative Director in the field of Architecture, Interior and Brand identity design. In coping with business strategy, she develops a master plan which integrates spatial needs and Brand Identity.
After the 1.4 trillion KRW investment project at Samsung C&T, she opened her own design studio, AMI Globiz Co. in Seoul Korea, specialized in designing automobile showrooms and service centers. Over 70+ Mercedes Benz sites were designed so far(2017-2022) by Jane and her team, and more to be designed in 2022 and 2023. Other global brands such as Ebay, Banyan tree etc., has been vitalized by her for the last 6 years.
Andrei Simonov
Chairperson, Finance Department
Eli Broad College of Business
Andrei Simonov is Chairperson of Finance Department, Philip J. May Endowed Professor of Finance at Michigan State University, a CEPR Research Fellow in the Financial Economics program, Scientific Director of Research Center for Empirical Finance at Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy (Moscow, Russia), and a Research Associate in Stockholm International Corporate Governance Institute. He received a Ph.D. in Finance from the European Institute of Business Administration ( INSEAD, 2000). He also holds a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from Moscow State University. His research interests include asset pricing, individual portfolio decision, and behavioral finance.
David Souder
Dean
Eli Broad College of Business
David Souder is The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Dean for the Broad College of Business. He previously was the Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research at the University of Connecticut School of Business, and a Professor in the Management and Entrepreneurship Department. He earned his BS from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, with concentrations in Finance and Strategic Management, and his PhD in Strategic Management and Organization from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Souder’s research focuses on corporate short-termism and long-term thinking, and he frequently speaks with media and business groups on related topics. In conjunction with the Network for Business Sustainability, he is the lead author of a systematic review and executive report on ways to incorporate long-term thinking into current business decisions.
Kim Tobin
Vice President
University Advancement
Dr. Kim Tobin currently serves as the Vice President for University Advancement at Michigan State University, a position she has held since May 2022. In this role, she oversees all fundriaisng and alumni relations efforts and is currently leading the 300+ person Advancement team through planning and execution of the institution’s next comprehensive campaign — a campaign that will further solidify MSU’s position as a leading global research university that improves the lives of students and positions our state, nation and world for a brighter future.
Jongpil Won
PHD, 1995, College of Engineering
President
Korean Spartan Alumni Association and Konkuk University
Dr. Jong-Pil Won, who earned his Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Michigan State University in 1995, was elected as the 22nd president of Konkuk University in Seoul, South Korea. He officially took office on September 1, 2024.
Dr. Won began his academic career at Konkuk University as an assistant professor in 1997, after working at Samsung C&T. A globally recognized expert in construction materials and structures, he has published over 180 papers in top academic journals and holds 28 patents. His contributions to the field have earned his numerous honors, including the National Medal of Science and Technology, the Science and Engineer of the Month Award from the Korea Science Foundation, and outstanding paper awards from the Korean Concrete Society, the Korean Society of Civil Engineers, and the Federation of Korean Science and Technology Societies.
Likun (Nikki) Yang
BA, 2017, Eli Broad College of Business
A 2017 Accounting graduate of MSU and President of the MSU Beijing Alumni Club, has dedicated her postgraduate years to bridging professional excellence with Spartan spirit. After earning her Master's degree from the College of William & Mary and obtaining her U.S.CPA license, she advanced through roles in Ernst & Young's assurance practice and Union.
Life Insurance's asset management division, specializing in cross-border investments. Beyond her career, she has built a thriving alumni community of 500+ members in Beijing, organizing charity initiatives, professional forums, and intergenerational cultural exchanges to strengthen Spartan connections. A firm believer that "once a Spartan, always a Spartan," she greets fellow alumni with a spirited "Go Green!"
Sponsors
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our sponsors for their generous support. Your contributions make this event possible and help us achieve our goals.
- Konkuk University
- Korean Spartan Alumni Association
- MSU Eli Broad College of Music
- Myung Keun Chang
- Paul Meredith
- In Ho Kim
- LuxNine Corporation
- Andrew Johnston
- JinKyu Choi
- Bingbing Chen
- Mike Lindhout
- Keith Lui
- MSU College of Music
- MSU International Studies and Programs
- Korean Spartans Music Alumni Association
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.
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.
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 is now closed.
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.
