April's Cultural Heritage Events
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Dear Cal Lutheran Community, As April unfolds, our university will celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month alongside Arab American Heritage Month. The programs offered over the next few weeks provide myriad opportunities to pay tribute to diverse histories, vibrant cultures, and significant contributions of AAPI and Arab American communities. As you may know, AAPI Heritage Month is nationally recognized in May. However, Cal Lutheran celebrates in April so that students and faculty can participate in programs more easily before a busy month of finals and Commencement ceremonies. We hope the timing allows you to attend some of the month's programs, including the AAPI Heritage Month Program at Foodie Friday today and the AAPI Lecture Lunch with Dr. Helen Ahn Lim on Thursday, April 11, from 12:30 - 2 pm. Please check out the official AAPI flyer for additional events including Kupa’a Hawai’i Club Annual Lu’au Celebration, DEIJ displays in the library, and much more. April is also Arab American Heritage Month, and we are similarly excited about bringing members of the community together with its programs. One of the special events is the inaugural Middle Eastern Film and TV Summit on April 16. The summit will showcase speakers sharing stories and observations about the various ways the media portrays and represents Middle Eastern communities. The lineup includes Nadine Rajab, a talented alumna from the MBA Program and former Regal’s soccer player who has an impressive position as an Executive Producer in the entertainment industry. On April 19, attend the Arab American Heritage Fest, where we are invited to learn more about the traditions and hallmarks of Arab American culture. All of these opportunities for learning, connecting, and understanding, which together help us embody our commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, are the result of many efforts. We are especially grateful to the Student Life’s Center for Cultural Engagement and Inclusion, Desi Club, FILO Club and Kupa’a Hawai’i Club, the Pearson Library, the Film and Television Department, and the Office of Talent, Culture, and Diversity for designing and sponsoring this month’s array of meaningful programs. Their work, in turn, is directly supported by Sodexo, Campus Services, and Media Services; Marketing and Communications, Community Relations, and Student Club leaders. With thanks to all, |
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Lori E. Varlotta, Ph.D. |
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