Dr. Lance Tatum, President | Northwest Missouri State University
Dr. Lance Tatum, President | Northwest Missouri State University
Northwest Missouri State University is preparing to observe Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in April with a series of activities. The events, free and accessible to the public, are scheduled before the university's academic year ends on May 2.
Dr. Shay Malone, Northwest’s assistant vice president of institutional excellence and global engagement, stated, “We celebrate all the cultures, ethnicities, nationalities and identities represented at Northwest. We chose to have some activities that represent the Southeast Asian and Indian cultures because we have so many international students and friends who aspire to share their cultures, values and heritage with other students. We hope that others can learn from and immerse themselves.”
The celebration will commence with a First Friday event, offering a platform for students to engage in communal activities at the Student Engagement Center located in the J.W. Jones Student Union on April 4 from noon to 2 p.m.
Continuing the festivities, a movie night is planned for April 8 at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Living Room.
On April 15, an interactive session will occur from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Tower View Room of the Student Union. Participants will craft traditional leis for spring graduates and enjoy a dance demonstration. Malone highlighted, “Lei making is an event where participants will learn the beautiful Hawaiian art of creating leis – floral garlands symbolizing love, friendship and celebration. We will also include a dance performance and information about Polynesian culture given by a few current students and their families.”
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month traces its origins to a Congressional resolution signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1978 as a weeklong observance. In 1992, it was extended to a month by Congress and signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. The month marks significant historical events such as the first Japanese immigration to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, acknowledging the contributions of Asian Americans, Pacific Islander Americans, and native Hawaiians.
Further details about the month's activities can be obtained through email or by calling 660.562.1105.
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