Thursday, Mar 31, 2016
Holi, Asian Game Night, karaoke, a talent show, raffle prizes and more will take place
by Megan Chin ’17
The Rider community has many different cultures to celebrate, and April serves as the month that Asian heritages are highlighted. During this time, Asian Students at Rider (ASAR), Chinese Club and the Office of Multicultural Affairs will be sponsoring events that allow students to enjoy and experience a glimpse of the various Asian countries throughout the world.
Ranging from Asian Game Night to a festival of color and love known as Holi the activities span a wide range of interests. “We want to celebrate these cultures in an interactive way,” ASAR’s President, Connie Au ’16, explains. “Our mission is to educate the Rider community about the unique traditions many of our students come from.”
Director of Multicultural Affairs Pamela Pruitt sees the added value for students. “By being exposed to lifestyles and celebrations different from one’s own, students maximize their Rider experiences,” she says.
ASAR's biggest event of the year is its annual student talent showcase, ASHA, which is the Hindi word for "hope" or "wish." ASHA also serves as a charity showcase to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This annual showcase includes student talent performances (like performances by Rider’s Dance Club) and features a prize raffle that includes electronics and other high end prizes. The money collected during the raffle will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The club’s executive board is extending an invitation to the Rider community, asking for student performers to contact them if they are interested in performing for ASHA. Anyone who is interested is asked to contact the ASAR executive board via e-mail, or the ASAR Facebook page.
Events are open to all Rider students, staff and faculty to enjoy and learn more about different Asian countries and celebrations.
“We are dedicated to promoting the unique cultures and traditions of Asian countries around the world,” says Au. "Asian Heritage Month is a way in which we, as Asian-American students, can show our peers aspects of our different backgrounds and how we celebrate our heritage."