For the past several weeks, UCF student groups have been developing a plan for the university’s first-ever Asian American Heritage Week, March 14 through 20. The effort is led by the Asian Pacific American Coalition, including the Filipino Student Association, Vietnamese American Student Association, Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Chinese American Student Association, Asian Student Association, and Korean Student Association. The groups all are advised by Karen Nguyen, Office of Neighborhood Relations and Safety Education.
“The rich backgrounds, cultures, and talents of our diverse community strengthen our university, and benefit us all, so that each of us can demonstrate our personal responsibility to care for our fellow Knights from any and all backgrounds,” said Nguyen. “These events will be a learning opportunity, and will assist the university to meet its objectives of inclusiveness, and recognition, dignity and respect for each individual.”
The week will kick off with an Opening Ceremony featuring a soloist, fashion show with Asian attire, and a display from University High School Asian student group. The UCF community is invited to attend the Asian American Heritage Week events. The schedule is as follows:
3/14: Opening Ceremony @ 7 p.m., Student Union, Cape Florida (Alvin Wang, dean for The Burnett Honors College, and panel discussion)
3/15: Filipino Student Association Meeting and Fundraiser @ 7-10 p.m., Barbara Ying Center (Blaze Pizza, Social, after the meeting)
3/16: Asian Game Show – Jeopardy presented by Asian Pacific American Coalition @ 8:30-11 p.m., College of Sciences Building Room 101
3/17: Vietnamese American Student Association and Filipino Student Association Dance Workshop @ 7–10 p.m., College of Education and Human Performance gymnasium 3/18: Coalition BBQ @ 7-10 p.m., Lake Claire Pavilion
3/19: Ropes Challenge Course @ 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., in back of Barbara Ying Center
3/19: Dining for Hope Celebration @ 6-9 p.m., SU Cape Florida (hosted by Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, and Vietnamese American Student Association)
3/20: Mr. and Miss ASA Pageant @ 6-9 p.m., SU Pegasus Ballroom (presented by Asian Student Association)
View flyer with schedule, click here. For more information, contact Ayla Arshad, president for the UCF Asian Pacific American Coalition at: apac.pres@gmail.com or advisor Karen Nguyen at: karen.nguyen@ucf.edu.