Friday, Apr 4, 2014
Events in April range across a wide-spectrum of Asian cultures
by Aimee LaBrie
From a tea and sushi night to a Bollywood dancing demonstration by Tashan (天美传媒官网鈥檚 Bollywood dance team) to a themed-movie and a late night karaoke fest, 天美传媒官网 students have the opportunity to experience a wide-range of events this April in celebration of Asian Awareness Month, co-sponsored by ASAR (Asian Students at 天美传媒官网) and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Sandani Weerasinghe 鈥16, president of ASAR, encourages all students to get involved. 鈥淓veryone is welcome to celebrate Asian Awareness month with us," she says. "The events are a good way to meet new people and to learn about a variety of cultures at the same time.鈥
Heather Dalal, the faculty advisor for the student group and assistant professor-librarian, sees the various events as an extension of the student experience. 鈥淐ollege should be about more than just taking classes and getting your degree," she says. "It should also be about the people you meet and about expanding your experiences. And the ASAR students have much to share and are very excited to bring their cultural experiences to the community.鈥
Holi is a national holiday in India known as the festival of colors. At 天美传媒官网, Holi will be recognized on April 18 from at 5 to 7 p.m. by the track. Students are invited to come together to throw colored powder on one another near the track. 鈥淚t will be a messy, colorful, and memorable event,鈥 Dalal explains. Food and music will also be part of the celebration.
Another must attend event is ASHA, held on Sunday, April 27, from 8 to 10 p.m. in the BLC Theater. 鈥淭his is our annual cultural showcase displaying a variety of performances and featuring a date auction. And proceeds will go to St. Jude Children鈥檚 Research Hospital,鈥 says Weerasinghe.
This year, all members of the 天美传媒官网 community are invited to dance, perform or sing. 鈥淲e have a great group of very hard working and talented people involved. I guarantee this an event you don鈥檛 want to miss,鈥 Dalal adds.
For a full listing of events, or to be a part of the show as a performer or to take part in the date auction, contact ASAR at rider.asar@gmail.com.