By: Jaylen Robinson, Contributing Writer

Chinese New Year, one of the most significant holidays in Chinese culture, lasts for fifteen days and marks a time of family reunions, traditions, and celebrations. It begins on the eve of the new lunar year, bringing together loved ones to welcome prosperity and good fortune. On Jan. 29, 2025, the Mitchell College of Business honored the Year of the Snake with a festive celebration featuring a variety of traditional Chinese dishes and guest speaker Dr. Dan Leonardi. 

The celebration featured a rich menu symbolizing luck and longevity, including noodles (representing long life), dumplings (symbolizing prosperity), and beef with broccoli, among other authentic Chinese delicacies. Attendees not only enjoyed the cuisine but also gained valuable cultural insights from Leonardi, a professor at the University of South Alabama’s Business Department who lived abroad in China. He was joined by his wife, Linda Leonardi, and their daughter, Katherine Leonardi, a second-year student at South Alabama.

During his presentation, Leonardi shared a compelling reflection on his and his family’s experiences living abroad, particularly in China. His journey began after college in Charleston, South Carolina, where he described the community as warm and welcoming. Later, he moved to Chicago, where he encountered a fast-paced lifestyle and his first cultural adjustment. His experiences abroad continued with relocations to Japan, where language barriers posed challenges, and Chile, where English was widely spoken, before finally settling in Alabama.

However, it was China that left the deepest impression on him. As a professional in the chemical industry at BP, Leonardi worked in China managing risk and ensuring operational efficiency. He described the Chinese people as hardworking, resilient, and deeply committed to teamwork. He observed a strong sense of collaboration in the workplace, where employees tackled problems collectively and supported one another. Unlike in many Western corporate environments, workplace hierarchy in China was minimal, and colleagues engaged as equals, freely exchanging ideas. Leonardi felt a deep sense of belonging and appreciation from the local community, never once experiencing discrimination as a foreigner.

Leonardi’s impact in China extended beyond his professional career. He was honored as “年岁杰出表扎” translated as “Man of the Year,” a prestigious recognition that came with a televised ceremony, a commemorative stamp featuring his image, and an award presented by the mayor. The event was broadcast live. 

Linda Leonardi also shared her fond memories of China, particularly her love for the country’s cuisine, culture, and people. One of the most touching experiences she recounted was organizing a charity event at a Chinese hotel to support orphans. Through this initiative, she and her team raised $10,000, demonstrating the kindness and generosity she witnessed in Chinese society.

As the event concluded, Leonardi reflected on the profound connections he and his family had formed in China. He emphasized that despite cultural differences, the core values of kindness, respect, and unity transcend borders. He left the audience with an important message: no matter where one travels, embracing new cultures with an open heart leads to meaningful experiences and lasting relationships.