🌙 Ramadan Begins (Feb 18)

As the crescent moon marks the beginning of Ramadan, our Muslim students embark on a month of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth. From prayer spaces on campus to flexible exam schedules, we're committed to supporting students as they balance their faith with their studies. Whether it's Iftar gatherings organized by the Islamic Society or quiet spaces for midday prayer, Ramadan at DBS is about community, understanding, and mutual respect.

Our Muslim students bring resilience and dedication to campus life, and this month we celebrate their commitment to both their faith and their education.

🐴 Chinese New Year - Year of the Fire Horse (Feb 17-27)

The campus lights up red as we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse! With lion dances, red envelopes, and the promise of new beginnings, Chinese New Year brings energy, optimism, and prosperity to our community. Our Chinese students remind us that celebration is universal, whether it's reunion dinners, fireworks, or the Lantern Festival, the Spring Festival is about hope, family, and fresh starts.

This year's Fire Horse energy speaks to adventure, courage, and transformation, qualities we see in our students every day as they chase their dreams and push boundaries.

✝️ Lent & Easter Season (Feb 18 - Apr 5)

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day journey of reflection and renewal for our Catholic students. From Friday fish options in the cafeteria to Holy Week observances, we're here to support students as they navigate this sacred season alongside their academic commitments. Lent is about growth, sacrifice, and ultimately, the joy of Easter, themes that resonate deeply with the student journey itself.

Our Catholic students show us that faith and education can walk hand in hand, and that spiritual wellness is just as important as academic success.

Why This Matters

February 2026 is a microcosm of what makes DBS extraordinary.

In a single month, our campus honors:

• A 1,400-year-old Islamic tradition of fasting and charity

• A 4,000-year-old Chinese celebration of renewal and family

• A 2,000-year-old Christian practice of reflection and resurrection

These aren't competing narratives, they're complementary stories of human resilience, hope, and community. They remind us that while our traditions may differ, our values often align: family, growth, gratitude, and the promise of new beginnings.

What This Looks Like on Campus

This month, you might see:

• A Muslim student breaking fast with dates before heading to an evening lecture

• Classmates wishing each other "Ramadan Mubarak," "Xīn Nián Kuài Lè," and "Happy Lent" in the same conversation

• The Islamic Society, Christianity Society, and Chinese Society will hopefully bring you many events to get involved in. 

And that's exactly what inclusion looks like, not tolerance, but celebration.

Our Commitment to You

At DBS, diversity isn't a checkbox or a monthly campaign. It's the foundation of our community. Our 8,000 students represent countless backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences, and we're committed to ensuring every single person feels:

• Seen - Your identity matters and is valued

• Supported - We remove barriers, not people

• Celebrated - Your culture enriches all of us

we work year-round to create spaces where difference is our greatest strength.

How to Get Involved This February

Learn Something New:

• Attend an Iftar with the Islamic Society

• Join a Chinese New Year celebration event

• Participate in a Lent discussions with classmates

• Try food from a culture different from your own

Support Your Classmates:

• Be mindful of fasting students during group lunch meetings

• Learn a greeting in Mandarin or Arabic

• Attend interfaith discussions and ask respectful questions

• Celebrate with friends observing these traditions

Share Your Own Story:

• Your heritage and traditions matter too

• Share your stories with classmates

• Connect with societies representing your background

• Help us build an even more inclusive campus

Looking Ahead

February's convergence of celebrations is a gift, a reminder that our differences don't divide us. As we move through this month of fasting, feasting, reflection, and renewal, let's embrace the opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate together, and build a campus community where everyone belongs.

Whether you're observing Ramadan, celebrating Chinese New Year, journeying through Lent, or simply supporting friends who are, you're part of what makes DBS special.

Here's to a February filled with culture, compassion, and community.