“We’re SMU’s artistic vibrancy. We’re SMU’s cultural heartbeat. We are the Arts and Cultural Fraternity. Feel it. Live it. Love it.” –SMU Arts and Cultural Fraternity’s Facebook Page
The arts and culture is probably the least you will expect out of a business university, but the Arts and Cultural Fraternity (ACF) in SMU is as strong and bustling as any other arts fraternity. This can be seen from the excitement and endless chatter at the recent SMU Interaction Night for ACF Alumni and students held on 8 September at the University Lounge.
Over 90 ACF alumni returned to their alma mater for a night to reconnect with one another and be kept updated with the University’s happenings. Associate Professor of Theatre/Performance Studies (Practice), School of Social Sciences,Margaret Chan, gave a sentimental reminiscing speech about her days fighting for the arts in the local arena and in SMU. Director of Office of Alumni Relations, Professor Low Aik Meng encouraged all alumni to form a new alumni group for all ACF alumni to continue strengthening the bonds they have formed as students and to stay connected to the University.
Games and laughter followed after a sumptuous buffet dinner. Staying true to their roots, alumni from SMU Soundfoundry - Jason Loo and Tan Lueneng from SMUBE took the stage for an impromtu jamming session and serenaded the audience before rounding up the evening with their rendition of Semisonic's Closing Time. You can tell from the smiles on the alumni faces that these bunch of ACF alumni are strongly bonded over their love for SMU’s vibrant arts scene.
Alumna Yvonne Low (BBM, Class of 2014) aptly sums up the occasion with her take on the event, "I really enjoyed it and will definitely attend more of such events if I can. I think SMU stands out from other universities because of our vibrant and cohesive arts culture, and such events helps to nurture this culture and bring passionate individuals together. Inviting alumni back is especially valuable for current students to gain insight and for alumni to keep up with the arts arena in SMU."