Asian culture awareness varies in activites for all
Walt Porter
March 27 though April 28 is designated for the recognizing of Asian heritage, there are many events that take place on and off MCC campus that are being set up for various audiences. The Dragon Boat Race at Tempe Town Lake on March 27-28, the MCC Thunder Dragon’s boat racing team placed 2nd in the C division of the event which brought many teams from different parts the country and Canada.
“The most important thing is, the students learn (work as a team). They learn how to lead other students, take different strategies, communicate, establish confidence, trust and encourage one another,” said Wendera Phung, the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition advisor.
MCC is a large campus and 5 percent of the student population is Asian, which is about 1,300 students.
“The significance of the boat racing, for one, is diversity,” Phung said.
April 9, in the Kiva Room, a lecture on Khmer Rouge and how they came to power and lost in the defeat and the future of Cambodian people.
There are efforts to reach out to the community, the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition also hopes to inform a young audience on college life.
“The purpose is to promote and educate embrace Asian culture to the community,” Phung said.
April 14, Gila River Interment Center, there will be a discussion on Japanese American during the interment period and living conditions in Arizona.
One of the upcoming events that Phung is anticipating is the 1st Asian Youth Leadership Summit which is held April 23 to encourage junior high and high school students to get exited about college.
Contact information for Wendera Phung (480)461-7201
