Hong Kong Alumni Chapter Celebrates 40th Anniversary

By: Courtney Buchanan

Carleton University Alumni Association’s Hong Kong Alumni Chapter began in 1985, sparked by one alumnus’s desire to reconnect. After graduating from Carleton University and returning to Hong Kong, Daniel Chan (BCOMM/85) was in search of a local alumni network. While many Canadian universities had networks in the area, Carleton did not—Daniel was eager to establish the first chapter. 

Determined to build a vibrant network of fellow grads, Daniel organized a dinner with about 30 fellow graduates and friends, marking the founding moment of the Hong Kong Alumni Chapter. With the support of alumni Peter Kwong and Wallace Kwan, the group drafted a constitution—officially establishing Carleton’s alumni presence in the area. 

The chapter hosted activities ranging from dinners and bowling nights to mahjong gatherings and casual outings in Lan Kwai Fong. As a newly established chapter, the founders, including two former chapter presidents, Ann Chan and Eli Chow, remained committed to growing the network and creating a space for Carleton graduates to connect. 

As the years went on, reaching newer grads had become a challenge.  “It was really difficult,” Daniel shared. “I suspected that newer graduates were busy finding jobs, making friends with colleagues, working in China or migrating back to Canada. Therefore, our activities stopped for quite a while.” 

Still, leadership continued. In 2023, Daniel created a WhatsApp group to help further reconnect alumni. With more graduates now settled into their careers—and feeling the passage of time—interest grew rapidly. “After 40 years we were getting ‘old’,” he said, “and it was time to meet up with old and new alumni to share our memories at Carleton, make new friendships and consolidate old friendships as well.” 

From 2023 onward, the chapter organized twice-yearly dinner gatherings and karaoke nights. Alumni responded with enthusiasm, and membership steadily grew from the initial 10 to 37 group members by 2025.  

This renewed momentum culminated in a very special milestone in November 2025: the chapter’s 40th anniversary. Along with other chapter volunteers, Daniel organized a dinner celebration to mark the occasion. 

The celebration brought together longtime members and new faces alike, creating an evening filled with laughter, stories, and a deep sense of pride in how far the community had come. “Although some of us are getting lots of silver hair, we are still feeling young at heart and enjoy sharing amazing memories that happened decades ago at Carleton,” he shared.  

The night honored not only the chapter’s founding in 1985, but also the persistence, dedication and Carleton spirit that sustained it through many challenges. “I am inspired by how our Carleton community extends well beyond our campus—graduates come together in places near and far to create meaningful change and help shape a better future for us all. This celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Alumni Chapter reflects that in a meaningful way,” said Carleton President and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Wisdom Tettey. 

Today, the chapter continues to grow and reconnect alumni who once braved Ottawa’s winters and later built their lives in Hong Kong. As the chapter celebrates 40 meaningful years, its mission remains the same: to unite alumni, strengthen friendships old and new, and proudly showcase the Carleton spirit across Hong Kong.