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YEAR OF THE PIG A centuries old tradition, the Lunar New Year — marked on Tuesday — is celebrated in many countries across Asia and around the world. And 2019 marks the Year of the Pig on the Chinese zodiac. Those born in 1923, ’35, ’47, ’59, ’71, ’83, ’95, or 2007, as well as little ones who are due to enter the world over the coming year, are said to be sociable, influential, and giving. Those characteristics were demonstrated in spades at several celebrations around town.

University of B.C. president Santa J. Ono hosted his annual Lunar New Year gathering on the Point Grey Campus. A record turnout of the university’s top advocates — alumni, donors and students — convened for the special multi-course dinner to usher in the Year of the Pig.

Before enjoying the Lazy Gourmet-catered meal and hearing from the university leader, UBC’s Kung Fu Club as always kicked off the evening’s festivities with a ceremonial lion dance to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck.

Acknowledging the major contributions from the Asian community as evidenced by the many buildings that bear their names on the Vancouver campus — places like the C. K. Choi Building, Chan Centre for Performing Arts, David Lam Management Research, Liu Institute for Global Issues, and Robert H Lee Alumni Centre, where the posh party took place — president Ono thanked attendees for their unwavering support.

Guests further demonstrated their school pride by purchasing lucky raffle balloons earmarked for the president’s $100-million campaign for student awards and financial assistance.

Recognizing the importance of being able to access a life-changing education, attendees filled Jack Poole Hall with hundreds of gold balloons. Since its Nov. 2017 launch, upwards of $55 million has been raised for the Blue and Gold Campaign.

Notables at the head table included Mr. UBC, Bob Lee, along with his wife Lily and daughter Carol; chancellor emeritus Sarah Morgan-Silvester; alumni UBC executive director Jeff Todd; vice-president development and alumni engagement Heather McCaw; benefactors Sheldon Trainor and his wife, Emelda Wong, Wallace Chung, and Dr. Ken Chow and Susan Chow, the evening’s masters of ceremonies.

PHOTOS: FRED LEE/PNG UBC President Santa Ono and his wife Wendy Yip, and mother-in-law Alice Yip fronted the university’s annual Lunar New Year celebrations. UBC Lunar New Year

Jeff Todd, alumni UBC executive director, and Heather McCaw, vice-president, development and alumni engagement, thanked alumni and donors for their support of UBC.

Mr. UBC, Bob Lee, and his wife Lily attended the Year of the Pig celebrations at the Alumni Centre, which bears the family name.

Masters of Ceremonies Dr. Ken Chow and Susan Chow met at UBC. Their three kids now attend UBC. The husband and wife team also supports four annual UBC bursaries and are active volunteers.

UBC alumna Michelle Kwan played the guzheng, a 21-stringed traditional Chinese harp, at the celebration dinner covering artists like Adele and Metallica.