Asian Cultural Celebration 2024
“The Global Impact of the AAPI Community”
The Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is full of diverse cultures that have unique experiences, stories, and programs. From Asia’s 40+ countries to the Pacific Islands and to the AAPI communities within other countries, the AAPI community has impacted so much of the world. The AAPI community’s experiences have led to positive initiatives and inspirations in the world through community building, diversity, and preservation.
Such initiatives and inspirations include the work of UMW alumnus Shin Fujiyama with One Thousand Schools, Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh’s inspiring speeches and career, Northern Virginia activists preserving the Vietnamese community at the Eden Center, broader initiatives to preserve nature due to its value in many AAPI cultures, and many more.
Taking pride in their identities, the AAPI community highlights their contributions to American society and the world. Join the Asian Student Association and the James Farmer Multicultural Center to celebrate culture and traditions through various programs that include educational seminars, entertainment and food.
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, Cedric Rucker University Center
Join the ASA club for a laid-back night of making various AAPI arts and crafts. There will be music, snacks, and lots of fun to have! Directions will be provided for the activities and ASA members will be ready to help out.
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. For other prices please check the University Dining website: https://umw.sodexomyway.com/
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
Movie Night: Assassination
Thursday, October 31 | 7:00 pm | Jeffy Square
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.
For more information, contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at 540/654-1044 or umwjfmc@gmail.com. Visit students.umw.edu/multicultural.
Please email us at umwjfmc@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding disability-related accommodations.