Asian Cultural Celebration 2024
“Modern Asia: Connecting Back to Our Roots“
A new generation of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has arrived. We aim to bridge the past and present to showcase how the rich histories of the AAPI community has shaped our modern communities. This week’s events reflect our theme of connecting with our heritage and the evolving identity of modern generations. Let us come together to celebrate diversity, cultural traditions, and inspire future generations. Join the Asian Student Association and the James Farmer Multicultural Center in celebrating the vibrant cultures and traditions of the AAPI community.
Asian Cultural Celebration Keynote Performer: Somapa Thai Dance Company
Sunday, Oct. 27 | 3 pm | Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall
Co-sponsored by the Music Department and Leidecker Center for Asian Studies
The Somapa Thai Dance Company, based in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area, has been actively giving dance and music performances, presentations, classes, and workshops since 1999.
Key performers have over 30 years of performance experience, having been trained in Thailand with the most celebrated dance masters including National Artists and others from the prestigious Department of Fine Arts in Bangkok, Thailand. The group has performed extensively in the D.C. Metropolitan area and has been invited to perform in many prestigious locations in the U.S. and outside the U.S. The Somapa Thai Dance Company’s mission is to preserve and promote Thai culture and arts in the Americas. Through performances and workshops, the Company hopes to encourage understanding and appreciation of the arts between people of different countries, cultures and ethnicities in the communities in which we are invited. (Credit: Somapa website)
Arts and Crafts
Monday, October 28| 3 pm | 2nd Floor Gourley Living Room, Cedric Rucker University Center
Stop by the 2nd floor of the CRUC for a chance to try your hand at a couple of crafts originating from Asian culture. Join the Asian Student Association for a laid-back night of making AAPI arts and crafts. There will be music, snacks, and lots of fun throughout the afternoon.
Asian Cultural Dinner
Tuesday, October 29 | 5 pm – 8 pm | Dining at the Top of the CRUC, Cedric Rucker University Center
Cost with Campus Meal Plan is one meal swipe or $11.75 Flex. The cost for EagleOne or credit card purchase is $14.00.
Co-sponsored by Campus Dining
University Dining, in partnership with the Asian Student Association (ASA), is hosting a special, premium dinner to celebrate the rich and vibrant cuisines of diverse Asian cultures. The menu will include dishes from many Asian countries, including China, Korea, Japan, India, Thailand and Malaysia. Guests will also have an opportunity to talk with members of ASA about Asian cultures and the special events they have planned for the Asian Cultural Celebration week. For additional information, please e-mail Dining@UMW.edu
Cooking Demonstration
Wednesday, October 30 | 6 pm | Willard Hall
Co-sponsored by Campus Dining
Looking for a chance to add some Asian cuisine to your recipe palate? Look no further, as UMW Dining and the Asian Student Association present a cooking demonstration with Chef David. Come watch and observe as Chef David expertly prepares chilled shrimp rolls, fit with mango and hoisin chili sauce on the side.
Space is limited to this event. To register, complete the form here(coming soon).
Movie Night: Parasite
Thursday, October 31 | 7:00 pm | Ball Circle
Once the sun sets, come embark on a cinematic journey with the Asian Student Association. Our movie night will feature Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite (2019). Follow a low-income family whose lives have always been handed the short end of the stick. Now that they have an opportunity to live among the wealthy, they’ll do anything they can to stay there. Not only has Parasite won several awards in Korea, but Joon-Ho’s film also won 2020’s Academy Award for Best Picture.
Warning: this film contains strong language and violent themes. Viewer discretion is advised.
Taste of Asia
Saturday, November 2 | 4 pm | Chandler Ballroom, Cedric Rucker University Center
Cost information: $3 for UMW students, faculty and staff; $5 for the general public; or three canned food items.
Sponsored by the Asian Student Association.
Taste of Asia is an annual celebration of Asian culture. This popular event provides both entertainment and education, as Asian culture and lifestyle are presented through a fashion show, dance performances, and an array of ethnic foods.
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. For more information, please contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at (540) 654-1044 or visit students.umw.edu/multicultural. Please email us at jfmc@umw.edu if you have any questions regarding disability-related accommodations.