Gender and Sexual Minorities and Allies (GSMA) Cultural Celebration 2015 – October 14 – 23
• The student organization, People for the Rights of Individuals of Sexual Minorities (PRISM) took the leadership in planning and coordinating the events for the campus community. The theme for this celebration was “We Will Rise.” The kick-off celebration took place on October 14, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. on Ball Circle. During this event, information was provided regarding GSMA programs, the PRISM club, and games were available for attendees. Other activities included educational presentations, a film screening, and a prom dance as the concluding event. The keynote program featured Chris Doucette, a well-established comedian who uses his talents to speak about current and topical events.
Asian Cultural Celebration – October 25 – October 30
• This celebration provided an experience of Asian culture that exposed individuals to various art forms such as dancing, storytelling, music, acting, fashion and more. The keynote performance was the Hope Chinese School Mom Dance Group. Under the guidance of choreographer and dance instructor Xiao-qin Zheng, the members of Dance Group performed many Chinese dances, including Tibetan Dance, Red Ribbon, Good Life, Yellow Mountains, and The Same Song. In addition, they provided an overview of the history and tradition of the dance. The entire evening was enlightening, engaging, and entertaining.
Taste of Asia – October 30
• The Asian Student Association and the JFMC co-sponsored this event that was open to the campus and local communities. There were over 400 individuals who attended the program. The audience was treated to a festive atmosphere featuring a fashion show, musical and dance performances by faculty, students and two invited groups, the Laughing Dragon Kung Fu School (Charlottesville, VA) and M & S Studios dancers (Fredericksburg).
Jewish Cultural Celebration – November 2 – 13
• This was the fifth annual Jewish Cultural Celebration co-sponsored by the Jewish Student Association and the JFMC. The kick-off celebration was successful with hundreds of individuals attending the special cultural dinner in the University Center, fourth floor. There are several other programs throughout this two-week celebration including a film and discussion event, a Shabbat dinner, and a Havdalah Ceremony, etc. The keynote speaker for this celebration is Rabbi Charles Feinberg, a Rabbi of 42 years and supporter of social action and social justice issues. Currently, he is the executive director of Interfaith Action for Human Rights, a nonprofit that educates Mid-Atlantic religious communities about human rights issues and does advocacy on the state level.
Academic Collaborations
• Co-sponsored program with Dr. Steve Rabson, adjunct instructor in the Classics, Philosophy and Religion department and the UMW Leidecker Center for Asian Studies, “Asian American Writers: Voices of Hardship and Joy,” on Monday, October 26, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in Lee Hall, Room 412.
• Joint venture with Dr. Li Li, adjunct instructor and language coordinator, “Chinese Folk Art: Paper Cutting and Interior Decoration,” on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 5:00 pm in Melchers Hall, Room 202.
• Joint venture with Dr. Krystyn Moon, assistant professor in the History and American Studies department, on a presentation entitled, “Angel Island is NOT the Ellis Island of the West,” on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. in Lee Hall, Room 412.
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