Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at Saint Mary’s
May 1 to May 31 marks Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a period dedicated to recognizing the contributions and influences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans in the United States. Throughout the next month, campus clubs and organizations will host events for the community to critically engage with issues affecting the Asian Pacific American community and celebrate Asian Pacific American students, staff, and faculty here at Saint Mary’s.
The Asian Pacific Islander Resource Group of the College Committee on Inclusive Excellence, Communication Department Disney Forum, and Asian Pacific American Student Association successfully kicked off APA Heritage Month with the fireside chat “From Vincent Chin to #StopAAPIHate,” with Helen Zia on April 21, and the Night Market festival on April 22.
Saint Mary’s faculty, administration, and Executive Vice President and Provost Corey Cook invite the community to a presentation by Professor of the Year Ted Tsukahara ’62, AFSC, PhD, on Friday, May 6 at 4 p.m. in Claeys Lounge. Integral Tutor Ted Tsukahara has dedicated nearly 30 years of service to Saint Mary’s College and inspired generations of students. A reception will follow Tsukahara’s presentation.
The API Resource Group, History Department, and Seminar Informal Curriculum will host “Japanese American Internment to Redress: Lessons for the Black Reparation Movement,” a lecture by John Tateishi, on May 11 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Moraga Room.
Lastly, the API Resource Group, Intercultural Center, and Student Life will present the API Cultural Graduation celebration on May 14 at 9 a.m. in the SMC Chapel. The Intercultural Center’s Cultural Graduate Celebrations offer Saint Mary's students the opportunity to publicly thank the people who helped them on their journey and honor the importance of overcoming barriers within higher education. All are welcome to come celebrate our API graduates!