HOMECOMING WEEK 2026

Honoring Service Across Generations: The Service Leadership Recognition Ceremony

✦

As part of HKIS60 Homecoming Week, the Service Leadership Recognition Ceremony brought together students, alumni, and faculty to celebrate the lasting impact of service learning at HKIS—and the legacy of the James A. Handrich Service Leadership Endowed Fund.

Jim Handrich thanks Francis He '32 for sharing about his experience writing an original book about homelessness in Hong Kong for his funded project.

We were especially honored to welcome back Jim Handrich, whose vision continues to shape student experiences today. Joining him was Desmond Chu ’91, co-founder of the Endowed Fund, who shared the inspiration behind its creation and its continued role in empowering student-led service. Lindsay Ernst, Service Learning Coordinator, reflected on how these experiences not only benefit communities, but also deeply shape the students themselves.

Powerful student and alumni voices brought this impact to life. Francis He ’32, a three-time recipient, shared his work addressing homelessness, while Monish Sabnani ’11—a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and 2011 recipient for People’s Café—reflected on how that early project at HKIS set him on his path.

Guests pay close to attention to the special speakers; alum and past recipient Monish Sabnani '11 takes the mic; the plaque is unveiled; Carrie Chen, Marty Schmidt, Jim Handrich and Desmond Chu '91 with the new display.

The ceremony also highlighted the program’s remarkable growth—from just 10 applications in its early years to more than 30 today—and its expansion to include Middle School and Upper Primary students, as well as partnerships with NGOs, broadening both access and impact.

If you’d like to explore this year’s student initiatives, click here.

More than a celebration, the event was a reminder of the enduring spirit of service at HKIS—one that continues to connect, inspire, and shape generations of students.

With the fund’s 20th anniversary coming up in 2026–2027, we look ahead to building on two decades of student-led impact. If you are interested in helping expand these opportunities, please contact sphillips@hkis.edu.hk.

WATCH