by kfi | Jul 4, 2026 | Announcements, Archives, North America Alumni Events |
Since 2004, the Labor Day weekend Kodai Reunion has brought alumni, faculty, and friends together in the woods of central Pennsylvania for a weekend of fellowship, food, and connection. From shared meals to long conversations and simple moments outdoors, the reunion is a place to reconnect with old friends and make new memories.
This year, the reunion will take place from Wednesday, Sept 2 to Monday Sept 7 at Kirchenwald Camp, half an hour out of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Various types of accommodation are available, and of course fabulous Indian food all weekend long.
This year, we will be welcoming the new KIS Principal, Dr. Bradford Barnhardt, and the new KIS Alumni and Development Coordinator, Tara Menon. Please join us for this very special event. For more details and information, go to this link: https://kodaireunionusa.com/.
You can come for a day, or the entire long weekend! See you there!
by kfi | Jun 15, 2026 | Announcements, Archives, North America Alumni Events |
The Minneapolis area Kodai lunch reunion was held in May 2026, with 29 Kodai alumni and friends in attendence. This reunion happens twice a year, in May and October, with the great organization team headed by Joe Rittmann and Jody Ramer Chrastek. This is a great event where alumni in the region can get together for a nice Indian lunch, and catch-up with other Kodai friends in the area.
We were twenty-nine (29) KIS alum and friends from across MN and from California and Washington State at Park Ave United Methodist Church, 3400 Park Ave, Minneapolis on Sat, May 9, 2026. We honor Rev. Mark Garrison from class of 1958 our eldest and Lisa Lindell, class of 81, our youngest.
With Joe’s help, this event has brought in donations for KFI in our support for KIS. Much appreciation to all those who donate at this event. If you would like to know more about this event, please email Joe at: joeritt@gmail.com
by kfi | Jun 26, 2025 | Announcements, North America Alumni Events |
Please come and join us at the annual KIS Labor Day Reunion and reconnect with your classmates, teachers, and other alumni. And of course, eat wonderful home cooked Indian food! All ages are welcome. Although the new Principal Bradford Barnhardt won’t be able to join us, two administrative staff from KIS will be in attendance to answer any of your questions on the exciting things happening at the school. The KFI Board of Directors will be having an in person meeting on Friday, so please approach our Board Members during the weekend to ask questions about KFI, how to donate, and share your ideas.
There is a Sunday service for those who would like to attend, complete with an always amazing volunteer choir, as well as swimming, zip-lining, rock climbing, volleyball and hiking. The days are spent for the most part sitting about in/outside cabins or at the tables in the pavilion chatting with classmates and alumni, those you know and new friends you meet. You may end up ‘chopping and chatting’ while in the pavilion. This usually involves the chef of the day placing vegetables and cutting boards in front of you to chop while you chat with your old and new friends. All meals are family-style Indian food cooked on site by our own alumni. Meals may include dosai, sambar, idli, tandoori chicken, Kerala fish fry, and various vegetarian dishes, among other dishes. There are also non-Indian kids’ meals available for anyone.
The camp has a number of different styles of cabins that sleep between 4 -20 people, some with attached bathrooms, as well as Adirondack lean-to’s. You will need to bring your own bedding/sleeping bag and towel for these cabins. There is also plenty of space to pitch a tent. All accommodations are first come, first served. If you are not the camping type, higher-end rooms with attached bathroom, provided bedding, towels and AC are available but limited and in great demand. Please contact Theresa Teves or Ted Hahn at kodaireunionusa@gmail.com. There are also plenty of hotels and motels in the area.
Dates:
Wednesday, August 27 – Monday, September 1, 2024
Where:
Camp Kirchenwald
1 Cut Off Road
Lebanon, PA 17042
For more information, find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @KISLaborDayReunion or email kodaireunionusa@gmail.com
by kfi | Mar 12, 2025 | Announcements, Projects - current |
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by kfi | Nov 27, 2024 | Announcements, South East Asian Regional Scholarship |
The SEAR Scholarship is presented annually to two deserving students from the Southeast Asian region, initially being granted to students of Burmese origin entering Grade 11 at KIS. These students are recognized for their exceptional personal character, outstanding academic achievements, and unwavering determination to overcome challenges. The scholarship seeks individuals who not only strive for personal success but also demonstrate a profound commitment to making a positive impact on their communities.
This scholarship has been initiated by KIS Alumna Ms. Maureen Aung-Thwin (’66) in loving memory of her mother, Margaret Aung-Thwin, a dedicated educator and former KIS faculty member. It embodies the spirit of perseverance, academic excellence, and commitment to community values that Mrs. Aung-Thwin exemplified throughout her life.
Margaret Aung-Thwin’s legacy as an educator and translator is deeply ingrained in the SEAR Scholarship. Her multifaceted career spanned various countries and cultures, reflecting a life dedicated to education and cultural exchange. She was the first of fourteen children born to John F. Hodgson and Naw Thet Po, and she pursued her education with a BA and B.Ed from Judson College in Rangoon and an M.A. from SUNY Cortland. A Fulbright Exchange Scholar, she taught in various international settings, including schools in Rangoon, Kodaikanal, and Cornell University, and led adult education programs for the Miccosukee Native American community in Florida. Her significant contribution to Burmese literature, particularly through her translation of Ma Ma Lay’s “Not Out of Hate,” highlights her dedication to bridging cultural divides through education.
This scholarship is not merely a financial grant; it is an invitation to join a community that values educational excellence, cultural understanding, and a commitment to improving the world. It is a tribute to the enduring impact of a remarkable educator and a testament to the power of education to change lives.
The scholarship will be granted to a female student entering KIS in Grade 11, and preference will be given to applicants with a family income that is not sufficient to cover all education-related expenses at KIS. The award will provide a scholarship of USD 10,000 to a Grade 11 student for each year of their study at KIS in the Diploma Program.
by kfi | Mar 8, 2024 | Announcements, In the Spotlight, Projects - current |
The SEAR Scholarship is presented annually to two deserving students from the Southeast Asian region, initially being granted to students of Burmese origin entering Grade 11 at KIS. These students are recognized for their exceptional personal character, outstanding academic achievements, and unwavering determination to overcome challenges. The scholarship seeks individuals who not only strive for personal success but also demonstrate a profound commitment to making a positive impact on their communities.
This scholarship has been initiated by KIS Alumna Ms. Maureen Aung-Thwin (’66) in loving memory of her mother, Margaret Aung-Thwin, a dedicated educator and former KIS faculty member. It embodies the spirit of perseverance, academic excellence, and commitment to community values that Mrs. Aung-Thwin exemplified throughout her life.
Margaret Aung-Thwin’s legacy as an educator and translator is deeply ingrained in the SEAR Scholarship. Her multifaceted career spanned various countries and cultures, reflecting a life dedicated to education and cultural exchange. She was the first of fourteen children born to John F. Hodgson and Naw Thet Po, and she pursued her education with a BA and B.Ed from Judson College in Rangoon and an M.A. from SUNY Cortland. A Fulbright Exchange Scholar, she taught in various international settings, including schools in Rangoon, Kodaikanal, and Cornell University, and led adult education programs for the Miccosukee Native American community in Florida. Her significant contribution to Burmese literature, particularly through her translation of Ma Ma Lay’s “Not Out of Hate,” highlights her dedication to bridging cultural divides through education.
This scholarship is not merely a financial grant; it is an invitation to join a community that values educational excellence, cultural understanding, and a commitment to improving the world. It is a tribute to the enduring impact of a remarkable educator and a testament to the power of education to change lives.
Criterion for granting the KIS SEAR Scholarship
- The scholarship will be granted to a Burmese origin residing in Myanmar or outside and is seeking an admission at KIS in grade 11.
- The applicant should demonstrate a strong financial need (i.e., family income that is not sufficient to cover all education-related expenses at KIS).
- Applicants should excel academically and exhibit outstanding personal character. The recipient will need to maintain a grade-point average (GPA) above 3.3.
- Applicants should exhibit determination and perseverance in the face of challenges and should possess a strong will to succeed.
- “Concern for Others” is a key KIS value. Applicant must not be involved in activity that affects the peace, decorum or democracy in their host country.
Amount Awarded
- This scholarship is a two-year grant covering full tuition and development fees for two students incoming in Grade 11 until graduation.
Support the SEAR Scholarship
Partially funded by the generosity of Ms. Maureen Aung-Thwin, this scholarship also relies on the collective support of KIS and the alumni community, including former students and friends of Margaret Aung-Thwin. Your contribution can make a significant difference in shaping the futures of these promising young individuals.
Contribute to this important scholarship by going to this link: https://www.kfi-us.org/donate-kfi/
If you are in India, you can also donate directly to KIS through their Website at https://www.kis.in/support/make-your-gift
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