Chung Chi on 1 March was filled with joy, with two major events - the Chung Chi Spring Homecoming Carnival and the Concert by Lake Ad Excellentiam - being organised. Both provided an opportunity for more than 2,000 students, staff, alumni, and their families and friends to have an enjoyable day. With the cohesion between Chung Chi-ers and CUHKers, the Carnival also aimed to raise funds for the College’s latest campus development initiative Project E.

Wonderful Booths and Programmes

The Carnival consisted of two parts: a pop-up market and a playground, with a total of fifty-five stalls inside. The market offered handicrafts and snacks, while various bouncy castles and classic game booths were set up in the playground, allowing participants to enjoy happy moments with their children.

The Carnival opened at 12:30 pm and its opening ceremony started at 2:45 pm, with distinguished guests, including Professor Chai Yat Chiu John, Chairman of CUHK Council, Dr. Chan Tak Lam Norman, Vice-Chairman of CUHK Council and Chair of Chung Chi Board of Trustees, Professor Lo Yuk Ming Dennis, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, and Professor Kwan Mei Po, Head, Chung Chi College, officiating the event.

Chung Chi Family with CUHK’s Unity

After the performance by the top three winners of CC Star 2025, Dr. Chan started the ceremony by emphasising the Chinese word “Home” in event title, highlighting that the aim of the Carnival was to welcome Chung Chi-ers back home, so that they could reminisce about their days on campus and support the Chung Chi spirit of “Excellence in Academics and Sports”, “Cultivation of Virtue and Talents” and “Enhancement of Spirituality”.

Professor Kwan gave her special thanks to Professor Chai, Professor Lo, and the guest performer, Ms. Leung Ka Yan Serrini, and expressed appreciation for the support from all CUHK units as well as the dedication from college colleagues.

Professor Lo was glad to see the vast number of alumni and their family members at the event, showing the passing on of the spirit of Chung Chi, while Professor Chai mentioned how Chung Chi feels like half a home for him and expressed his best wishes for students and the future development of Chung Chi.

Together with the four officiating guests, a giant gift box was unveiled with balloons released, and a ribbon bearing the message was displayed and well-received by the audience: Chung Chi College, a family so dear, In CUHK’s embrace, we hold it near.

Excellency of College System

An interactive book sharing session “Storytelling by Serrini” was then held, where Serrini read books to children. She also invited children to answer questions, and to help read the books. Serrini also played on the bouncy castle with children, chatting with them as they enjoyed the fun. Sounds of joy filled the Stadium.

On the other hand, the four officiating guests visited the marketplace, and also shared additional feedback and thoughts about the Carnival. Professor Chai stated that by reminding alumni of their school days, they can share experiences and memories with the next generations and form inheritance ties, while Professor Lo indicated that the success of the Carnival highlights the excellency of the CUHK college system, hoping this system can be further developed and strengthened to enhance the features of the University.

Dr. Chan was moved by the occasion as many alumni participated in the Carnival. As the Lingnan Stadium was the place where Dr. Chan stepped on his first day at Chung Chi, he was delighted by different ages and generations of alumni – even with their children – returning home. Professor Kwan was also happy to see talented students and alumni from different majors putting up stalls selling various items.

Concert by the Lake Ad Excellentiam

Serrini’s mini-concert at the College’s Chapel brought the day to a climax. On the occasion, which started at 6pm, she chose to sing songs that she could relate to her university life. Opening with The One, she encouraged everyone to take centre stage of their own lives to pursue inner freedom and peace. With Let Us Go Then You and I, she held up courage in the face of adversity.

During the performance, Serrini delivered her zesty invitation to the audience, asking them to stand, sing and dance along with her. She also shared fond memories of her songwriting life in the hostel, and her service in the assembly as a simultaneous interpreter.

When the concert concluded, Dr. Chan and Professor Kwan acknowledged Serrini’s generous support for the event and presented her with a gift of heart-shaped plant. They hope that Serrini’s love for Chung Chi would spread to all Chung Chi-ers, along with her beautiful voice.

On the evening of the Carnival, the College organised the “Concert by the Lake Ad Excellentiam” and Serrini was invited for a performance. A perfect end to the jubilant day.

Student Reporter Ms. Emily Lau