The venue was set. Hotel blocks reserved. Save-the-date cards received. Activities and speakers arranged. And flights booked.
Five years ago, Michigan State University’s international Spartan reunion was to be held in Seoul.
However, little —if anything—went as planned from 2020-2021. What had been scheduled for May 2020 would have to be postponed for May 2021 and then canceled all together.
When the idea resurfaced in 2024 to plan an international reunion, there were more than a few people in South Korea, pushing hard to make Seoul the destination city for Michigan State’s Global Spartan Reunion.
“Preparing for the 2025 Global Spartan Reunion was one of the most intense, rewarding and eye-opening experiences,” said MSU Alumna Minjung Kim (MUSIC ’03 and ’07).
“When we first began, it was a faint idea—a loose thought floating around after a small concert in November 2024. It felt uncertain, even a bit overwhelming. But little by little, plans became actions. And somehow, those actions led to a real living event that touched so many people.”
Seoul is home to more than 2,000 Spartan alumni, including Konkuk University President Jongpil Won, who was appointed Konkuk’s 22nd president last year. Won also was named president of the Korean Spartans Alumni Association in the spring.
Held May 16-18, Spartans from across the globe descended upon Konkuk University’s campus where Won hosted fellow Spartans and showed them what Korean hospitality is all about.
Campus light posts were adorned with Michigan State banners, including a huge horizontal banner at the entrance of Konkuk’s campus greeted President Guskiewicz and other university leaders.
Highlights included educational sessions led by MSU faculty members and alumni, a special “Spartan Harmony” concert performed by College of Music alumni, networking events, and an extraordinary dinner, highlighting the cuisine of Korea.
“I met MSU alumni who graduated decades ago and yet we instantly bonded over shared traditions like grabbing ice cream at the Dairy Store or walking along the Red Cedar River,” said Nikunj Agarwal (CANR ’22), an alumnus who flew in from London where he is a graduate student at University College London.
“What moved me most was the realization that the Spartan spirit transcends time and geography. Whether someone graduated in the 1980s or in 2022, we all share a deep love for the campus and its people, and the values it instilled in us.”
Jongpil Won, Ph.D.
College of Engineering
"May the connections made during this reunion become seeds for more meaningful exchanges and collaboration, growing into even greater stories in the years to come."
Read Jongpil Won's story
Souad Benromdhane, Ph.D.
College of Engineering
"MSU is rooted in an openness to international programs. It is a welcoming place for students from all over the world."
Read Souad Benromdhane's story
Nikunj Agarwal
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
“Leading ISA and launching the ISA HQ was a dream come true. It became a dedicated physical space for international students to gather, feel supported and build community.”
Read Nikunj Agarwal's story
Minjung Kim, D.M.A.
College of Music
"One of the most rewarding aspects of being involved in the alumni community is the chance to meet people from fields very different from my own."
Read Minjung Kim's story
Min Gyung Kim, Ph.D.
Broad College of Business
"The most meaningful part of my time at Michigan State was the people I met—friends who have become my lifelong best friends.”
Read Min Gyung Kim's story
Daniel Ma
Broad College of Business
“Broad gave me valuable real-life experiences that helped me confirm my career choice and secure my first job before graduating from MSU.”
Read Daniel Ma's story
Matt Shin, Ph.D.
Broad College of Business
“International programs shaped my time at MSU. Looking back, my MSU journey wasn’t just about a degree—it was a launchpad into the world.”
Read Matt Shin's story
Nikki Yang
Broad College of Business
“When alumni tell me how much they value the connections they’ve made at our events, or when new graduates find mentors at our gatherings, I know the time we invest is truly worthwhile.”
Read Nikki Yang's story