WE ARE
APA Heritage Month arose out of a long, overdue need to honor the contributions and achievements of Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestry. Before there was a month dedicated to celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage, there was Asian Pacific American Heritage Week, which began in 1978. Representatives Frank Horton of New York and Norman Y. Mineta of California introduced the legislation for Asian Pacific American Week in 1977. Senators Daniel Iouye and Spark Matsunaga introduced similar legislation in the Senate in 1977. In 1990, President George Bush signed a proclamation for the first Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. In 1992, legislation for the month became a law and now every May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Asian Pacific Americans currently account for 4 percent of the nation’s overall popoulation. They have experienced profound changes in size, ethnic composition, and social class origin since the first Filipino settlers arrived in the late 1500s.
Asian Pacific Heritage Month
APAC
The Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC) is a student organization that serves as a voice for the Asian Pacific American (APA) student population at George Mason University. APAC consists of enthusiastic Mason students from diverse backgrounds and cultures who work together to promote APA perspectives and heritage yearround and to show that the participation of APAs is essential to the growth of the Mason community. APAC works to foster positive change now and in the future on the Mason campus. Involvement on your part will fuel the fire APAC needs to develop into a strong organization. For more information, call 703-993-2700.
ODPS
ODPS serves students, cultural organizations, and the Mason community by promoting an environment that fosters and values human understanding and diversity. The goal of ODPS is to provide a campus environment where diversity is valued, appreciated, and celebrated. In addition, the office is devoted to increasing the awareness and knowledge of issues important to community harmony. For more information, visit the ODPS website at http://odps.gmu.edu.
THURS APRIL 1
The Prelude: APA Heritage Month Kick-off – Check the Mike 7:00 – 11:00 p.m., SUB I Patriot Lounge At its core, art is the purest form of resistance. “Check the Mike” and hear the voices of underrepresented individuals through poetry, music, and the raw power of self-expression. Whether coming to perform or to listen, the culminating event of APA Heritage month invites all to come out and not only witness, but experience the phenomenon of “spoken word.” Sponsored by the Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC).
WEEK ONE
SAT APRIL 3
Filipino Cultural Night 7:30 p.m., Harris Theatre The biggest cultural event presented by the Filipino Cultural Association at GMU each year, the evening features Filipino American culture, history of the Philippines, dialogue about issues, and folk and modern dances. Sponsored by the Filipino Cultural Association (FCA).
MON APRIL 5
Chinatown International Week Program 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Chesapeake Residential Area This university-wide event features Chinese culture and the Confucius Institute and seeks to engage both international and local students. There will be Chinese food, games, demonstrations, and prizes! Sponsored by Housing & Residence Life, Confucius Institute, Center for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, ODPS, and Student Activities.
FRI APRIL 9
Japanese Play – “Urashima Taro” 6:30 p.m., Johnson Center Dewbery Hall (North) A Japanese tale about a fisherman who rescues a troubled turtle and is rewarded for his benevolent act with an invitation to the Dragon King’s palace under the sea. Sponsored by Dr. Sufumi So, Department of Modern and Classical Languages. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Lunch – diversity of Asian foods and music 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Southside Dining Hall Mason Money or Meal Plan Sponsored by Mason Dining Services
WEEK TWO
SAT APRIL 10
Cultural Dance Showcase 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Harris Theater Event features Hawaii, Asian Indian, Chinese Taiji, Mongolia Dance, Vietnamese Dance, Bolivian Dance, Guzheng, and Korean dance performances. Sponsored by the Office of Diversity Programs & Services (ODPS), and New World Bilingual Institute (NWBI) Vietnamese Cultural Night 6:00 p.m., Lee High School Spring Field VSA has put together many great acts, skits, performances and dances that will capture Vietnamese culture showing how the past has influences our lives today. It will be an exciting adventure and a true learning experience for all. Sponsored by the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA)
SUN APRIL 11
“Asian Americans Can Jump”: 3-on-3 Men and Women’s Basketball Tournament 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Mason RAC For registration, contact: Lillian Nguyen at lnguyef@gmu.edu Sponsored by the ODPS
FRI APRIL 16
Discussion Forum, “Introduction to Buddhism” 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., Johnson Center 3rd Floor Meeting Room G How does an eastern philosophy see the roots of individual happiness and social issues? Sponsored by Value Creation Society Chinese Karaoke Night 7:00pm, SUB II Meeting Room 5, 6, 7 The Chinese Student Scholar Association brings you the popular Karaoke on campus! Thousands of Chinese songs (Mandarin and Cantonese) you can choose or bring your own favorites. Show your singing talent and enjoy an evening of culture and entertainment. www.gmu.edu/org/China
WEEK THREE
SUN APRIL 18
Walk America/March for Babies 9:00 a.m. (Registration), 10:00 a.m. (Start), Reston Town Center Every year all around the country March for Babies organizes a Walk to raise money for premature babies and babies with birth defects. The money goes to research for treatment and preventative care for these infants. We invite everyone to participate, donate as little as a dollar, or walk for the cause. For more information please contact: Aara Canlas (acanlas1@gmu.edu) Mason Hsu (mhsu1@gmu.edu)
WED APRIL 21
Provost Tea (invitation only) 4:00p.m. Provost Peter Stearns will facilitate this discussion with Asian and Asian American students. The focus is on Asian and Asian American student affairs at Mason. Sponsored by the Provost’s Office, University Life, and ODPS.
THURS APRIL 22
APA Student Game Room Social 6:00p.m. – 9:00p.m. SUB I Game Room It’s Game Room Night! Take time out from your studies and educational APA Heritage Month events to relax, meet new people, and have fun. Sponsored by the Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC)
WEEK FOUR
SAT MAY 1
APAHM Conference 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Enterprise Hall Through a collection of workshops that coincide with this year’s theme of “The Crossroads”, APA organizations come together to share with students the similarities and differences among various Asian cultures as well as issues Asian and Asian American students currently face. The conference encourages the education and involvement of students in gaining a deeper appreciation for other cultures and their own. Sponsored by Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC) Pakistan Students Association (PSA) Annual Spring Formal 7:30p.m. – 11:00p.m., JC, Dewberry Hall This event will feature talents of Pakistani men, and there will be a Mr. PSA Pageant. Election results will be announced for the new President and Vice President. Sponsored by Pakistan Students Association
FRI MAY 7
APAHM Fest 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Mason Concert Hall A musically diverse event that celebrates Asian and Asian American artists from aross the nation. For more information go to: www.apahmfest.com
WEEK FIVE
SAT MAY 8
APA Senior Banquet 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. The annual APA Senior Banquet is in honor of the academic achievements of our graduating senior class. All are welcome to celebrate this milestone over dinner and a showcase of cultural student performances. Sponsored by the Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC). For more information go to: www. facebook.com/GMU-APAHM
Visit:
ODPS.GMU.EDU
for event updates, location changes and to see more information.
PRESENTED BY
ODPS
Shaoxian Yu
EVENTS PRODUCTION
Kris Celeste Chris Sunga Tamara Day
APAC OFFICERS
E-BOARD
ORGANIZATIONS
Vincent Lacsamana, Executive Chair Ivy Te, Vice Chair Aimee Pangan, Secretary Lillian Nguyen, Treasurer Emmanuel Gozum, Webmaster Christy Orr, The Circle for Japanese Interests Representative Mike Pippa, FCA Representative Aimee Pangan, Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority Representative Paul Kim, KSA Representative Jeannie Tran, VSA Representative Yasser Ansari, PSA Representative
Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC) Pakistan Student Association (PSA) Chinese Student & Scholar Association (CSSA) Filipino Cultural Association (FCA)* Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) Korean Student Association (KSA) Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. (KPL) Department of Modern and Classical Languages Mason Dining Services New World Bilingual Institute (NWBI) Value Creation Society Provost Office University Life Housing & Residence Life The Confucius Institute Center for Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation Student Activities
SPECIAL THANKS