RCC celebrates Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Join Rockland Community College (RCC) in celebrating Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month with an exciting schedule of events from April 9 through May 2. RCC has created a wide variety of activities and virtual documentary films and recordings to engage students, families, faculty, and staff. All events are free and open to the public. This year’s theme, “Embracing Heritage, Celebrating Cultures,”is reflected throughout the festivities.

“We are excited to present a lineup of events to celebrate the rich tapestry of Asian Pacific cultures. It’s a privilege to share these cultural experiences with our students and the wider community, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for diversity,” said Dr. En-Shu Robin Liao, Co-Chair for Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Committee and Program Director of English, Speech/Communication. 

This year’s Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration features seven events throughout the month, including the ESL and International Student Panel Discussion: I am Bilingual/Trilingual/Multilingual, where ESL and international students will share their cross- lingual and cross-cultural learning experiences, and a Make Your Own Origami workshop.

English Professor Kris Dougherty, Co-Chair for Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Committee stated, “Through these events, we’re not just learning about cultures; we’re living them

together, enhancing our campus and community life.”

Tuesday, April 9, 12:30 pm – 1:20 pm EDT: Learn to Make Your Own Origami

The Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Committee would like to invite students, faculty, and staff to a special event. Registrants will learn about the history of origami, followed by a lesson in manipulating paper into various shapes. Your creativity knows no bounds! https://sunyrockland.edu/event/learn-to-make-your-own-origami/

Thursday, April 11, 12:30 pm – 1:20 pm EDT: Cracking the Fortune Cookie

Join the Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Committee for an event celebrating the history of the fortune cookie. During this combination workshop and informative event, participants will examine and discuss the history of the fortune cookie, before taking part in a brief workshop that will teach participants how to write and develop fortunes that will both inspire and entertain. https://sunyrockland.edu/event/cracking-the-fortune-cookie/

Tuesday, April 16, 12:30 pm – 1:20 pm EDT: Pearl Buck and Her Groundbreaking Novel: The Good Earh (Book Talk)

Born to missionary parents who preached the Gospel to peasants living in the countryside of a small town called Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province of China in the late 1800’s, Pearl Sydenstricker Buck took on a Chinese identity during her forty years living in China and became an instrumental writer who ushered in the Chinese Identity and Culture to the world stage. Her Chinese name, Sai Zhenzhu, literally translates to “Better Than Pearl.” Her best-selling novel, The Good Earth, vividly captures the lives of peasants, caught in a turbulent time in Chinese history, the collapse of the Qing Dynasty around 1910 and the fighting among warlords on the eve of the founding of the Republic of China in 1912. https://sunyrockland.edu/event/pearl-buck-and-her-groundbreaking-novel-the-good-earth-book- talk/

Thursday, April 18, 12:30 pm – 1:20 pm EDT: “I am Bilingual/Trilingual/Multilingual!”: An RCC ESL and International Student Panel Discussion

Join us for a panel discussion in which a group of RCC ESL and international students will share their cross-lingual and cross-cultural learning experiences in the ENG 098N/101N and ENG 102N sections. Come and hear their stories about coming to the US as non-native speakers, building resilience, and maintaining a positive mental attitude while facing many academic challenges on their journeys. Engage in a conversation about how RCC continues to create a welcoming and supportive community for its minority students. https://sunyrockland.edu/event/i-am-bilingual-trilingual-multilingual-panel-discussion/

Tuesday, April 30, 12:30 pm EDT:

Learn to Play Janggi (Korean Chess)

Watch Professor Arvanites play Professor Song. Learn how to move the janggi pieces and practice playing. Compare to chess. Snacks to be served. https://sunyrockland.edu/event/learn-to-play-janggi/

Wednesday, May 1, 4:00 pm – 1:20 pm EDT: Pop-Up Asian Treats Stands

Come and try different Asian treats and guess their origins! https://sunyrockland.edu/event/pop-up-asian-treats-stands/

Thursday, May 2, 12:30 pm EDT: Pop-Up Asian Treats Stands

Come and try different Asian treats and guess their origins! https://sunyrockland.edu/event/pop-up-asian-treats-stands-2/