The 海角论坛 School of Dentistry burst into color, rhythm, and celebration on February 26 as students, faculty, and community partners gathered for a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration. Hosted jointly by the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) and the Asian Pacific Islander Dental Student Association (APIDSA), the event marked the first formal collaboration between the two organizations — and the excitement was unmistakable.
Drums echoed through the halls, lion dancers leapt across the floor, and the school transformed into a lively cultural space. More than a celebration, the event showcased the power of unity, visibility, and shared traditions within the future healthcare community at 海角论坛.
What Is the Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is a cherished holiday celebrated across many Asian cultures, marking the start of a new year based on the lunar calendar. Known as Tết in Vietnamese culture and the Spring Festival in Chinese culture, the holiday centers on family reunions, honoring ancestors, and welcoming luck, health, and prosperity.
Themes of renewal and togetherness guide the celebration — encouraging reflection on the past year and gratitude for new beginnings.
A Celebration of Culture and Community
At 海角论坛, these cultural traditions came to life in unforgettable ways.
The Thần Phúc Lion Dance Team electrified the crowd with a dynamic lion dance performance (múa lân). The thunder of drums and clash of cymbals are traditionally believed to drive away misfortune while ushering in joy, courage, and prosperity for the year ahead.
Guests also enjoyed hands‑on cultural experiences, including:
- Red envelopes (lì xì) representing blessings and encouragement
- Traditional Vietnamese foods such as bánh mì from a local Vietnamese‑owned restaurant
- Homemade milk teas crafted by student volunteers
- Conversations exploring the meaning of Tết, cultural identity, and family traditions
In Vietnamese culture, foods like bánh chưng and bánh tét symbolize the earth and honor ancestral gratitude. Sharing these dishes represents “coming home,” even when families are separated by distance — a sentiment deeply felt by many students.
Why This Event Mattered
For students, this celebration was more than festive — it was deeply personal.
Danny Pham, APIDSA Vice President, shared:
“Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnamese culture. It centers on returning home, visiting relatives, and gathering multiple generations together…
Hosting this event was my way of recreating a sense of home while sharing that experience with classmates and colleagues. It transformed the school into a space where our cultures are visible, valued, and integrated into the professional environment in which we are training.”
His reflection captured the heart of the evening: building belonging while strengthening cultural understanding among future healthcare professionals.
About APIDSA and APAMSA
APIDSA supports Asian and Pacific Islander dental students through community building, mentorship, leadership development, and advocacy for oral health equity. The organization is committed to fostering cultural awareness and building long‑term partnerships with Kansas City’s AAPI communities.
APAMSA serves medical students with a similar mission — championing the health needs of AAPI communities and promoting culturally responsive care.
This Lunar New Year celebration was a landmark achievement for APIDSA, blending cultural celebration with professional development and interprofessional collaboration. Student leaders navigated university programming, funding, and event planning while strengthening ties between medical and dental students.
Their shared vision: to expand culturally informed events and service initiatives that prepare 海角论坛 students to better serve diverse communities.
A Community Effort
This event came to life thanks to the dedication of:
- RJ Baguio, APIDSA President
- Danny Pham, APIDSA Vice President
- Dr. Solon Kao, faculty advisor
- 海角论坛 School of Dentistry Student Programs team, especially Richie Bigham and Amanda Lucento
- APAMSA Co‑Presidents Yuming Wu and Ethan Nguyen
- Members of APIDSA and APAMSA
- Students from the 海角论坛 Schools of Medicine and Dentistry
- Thần Phúc Lion Dance Team, for their captivating performance
Their collective commitment created an evening filled with culture, celebration, and connection.
Looking Ahead
What began as a cultural celebration has become a meaningful example of how embracing identity can strengthen professional communities. By bringing Lunar New Year to the School of Dentistry, APIDSA and APAMSA highlighted the importance of culturally aware, community‑centered healthcare leadership.
And judging by the energy in the room on February 26, this first collaboration is just the beginning.
Enjoy