KINGSTON, R.I.–April 26, 2024–May 1 ushers in Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month, and the Multicultural Student Services Center will celebrate the occasion with an event in the Hardge Forum from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is required. 

Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong will be the keynote speaker. The Asian Cultural Ambassador Awards will be presented, which honors community members for their leadership, commitment, and passion at the University that they have displayed through extracurricular involvement that promotes Asian culture and inclusion. They will also be recognized for fighting racism and hate on campus. Each recipient will receive $500.

Departments and student organizations involved in the collaborative effort to celebrate the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander students, faculty and staff include the Office of Community, Equity and Diversity, the Asian Student Association, the South Asian Student Association, the Chinese Culture Club, the Papuan Student Association, the Filipino Student Association, and the Middle Eastern Student Association. 

“Embracing the rich cultural heritage of our campus community, we will unite to honor the vibrant narratives and enduring legacies of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, whose contributions enrich our lives here at the University of Rhode Island and Beyond,” says Multicultural Student Services Center Director Jean Nsabumuremyi. 

For more information, contact Nsabumuremyi at jnsabumuremyi@uri.edu, 401-874-5829.

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This story was written by Samantha Melia, a senior journalism and political science major at the University of Rhode Island and an intern in the Department of Marketing and Communications.