"Asian American Studies Program celebrates 25th anniversary with multi-day event" Article by
Saturday's events included opening remarks from School of Arts & Sciences Dean Steven Fluharty, a keynote speech by author Cathy Park Hong, alumni panels, and performances from student groups Penn Masala, Pan-Asian Dance Troupe, and Penn Lions. The anniversary’s theme was “Past, Present, and Future.” In the days leading up to the anniversary, the program hosted a conversation with "Crazy Rich Asians" Director Jon Chu and a film screening of "The Donut King."
"Not only was it a moment to celebrate the work of ASAM faculty, staff, students and our allies in growing our program, it was an opportunity to learn how our students have utilized the ASAM curriculum in their post-Penn lives," Pillai said.
“The 25th anniversary of Asian American studies [at Penn] is a significant moment because the program was born out of student protests,” co-Director of the ASAM program Fariha Khan said. “It’s so important for people to understand that Asian American Studies offers the full experience of what it means to be American.”
“The 25th anniversary allows us to celebrate all of our achievements," Eng said. "It allows us to thank all the students and faculty, the administrators and alumni who have fought for these fields, and it gives us a time and a moment to sit down and reflect on what we need for the future.”
Pictures by Sukhmani Kaur