Below is a list of major programs that the Asian/Asian American student groups hold annually (in semi-chronological order). In addition to these major programs, the Asian/Asian American student groups also host general meetings and plan many smaller programs including social events.
Taiwan Night Market:
The first major event of the year is Taiwan Night Market, a simulation of the popular hot spots in Taiwan and other Asian countries. This event offers a night of games, karaoke, food, and exhibitions by some of our performance student groups. Taiwan Night Market is sponsored by the Taiwanese American Students Club (TASC).
Ramadan:
In the fall the Muslim-cultural Students Association (McSA) celebrates the holy month of Ramadan. Comprised of daily Iftar dinners, educational events, keynote speaker, and more, McSA invites the entire campus to learn about Islam through this month-long religious tradition.
Diwali:
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a major Indian tradition that is significant in Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism. Diwali is sponsored by the Om-Hindu Cultural Council (OM).
Islam Awareness Week (IAW):
Each January the Muslim-cultural Students Association (McSA) presents a week-long educational program designed to enlighten the Northwestern community about the religion of Islam. IAW features firesides, educational booths, and speakers. McSA also provides hot chocolate at the Rock for students passing by in the cold Chicago weather.
Southeast Asia (SEA) Nite:
SEA Nite is a collaborative cultural show promoting the culture and traditions of five countries of Southeast Asia: Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. SEA Nite is sponsored by Cili Padi, Kaibigan, Singaporeans and Friends, Thai Club, and Vietnamese Students Association (VSA).
Celebrasia Lunar New Year Show:
Sponsored by the Chinese Students Association (CSA) and Taiwanese American Students Club (TASC), Celebrasia is the annual cultural show celebrating the Lunar New Year.
SASA Show:
The SASA Show is the annual cultural show hosted by the South Asian Students Alliance (SASA).
Mr. Pan Asia:
More than just a male pagaent, Mr. Pan Asia is an educational event that aims to debunk stereotypes against Asian and Asian American men by emphasizing the multidimensionality of our male students. Mr. Pan Asia is sponsored by the Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC).
Hawaiian Luau:
Hawaii Club brings this island tradition to our Midwestern university.
The Mela:
Brought to you by the Om-Hindu Cultural Council (OM), the Mela is a program highlighting the religion of Hinduism through ceremonies, discussions, educational material, and speakers. The Mela culminates at night with the energetic Garba-Raas.
Holi Celebration:
The Om-Hindu Cultural Council (OM) and South Asian Students Alliance (SASA) team up for this highly interactive outdoor event celebrating the Indian tradition also known as the Festival of Colors.
Thai Night:
Thai Night is the annual cultural show hosted by Thai Club.
The Pinoy Show:
The Pinoy Show is the annual cultural show hosted by Kaibigan.
KASA Show:
The KASA Show is the annual cultural show hosted by the Korean American Students Association (KASA).
Bunkasai Festival:
The Bunkasai Festival is the annual cultural show hosted by Japan Club.
Voice for Asia Concert:
The largest collaborative program by our student groups, Voice for Asia is a philanthropic program that focuses on a particular societal issue in Asia. Voice for Asia includes an educational campaign, several fundraising events, and a concert featuring several Asian and Asian American musical artists. All proceeds from fundraising and donations are contributed to a beneficiary related to the issue of focus. Past issues have included AIDS in Asia and Asian orphans.
Powder Puff Charity Football:
Balancing the male empowerment program of Mr. Pan Asia, the Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC) offers a quarter-long women's empowerment program. Two teams comprised of female students who are drafted and participate in a few months-worth of practices and team bonding. The overall experience culminates in a football game in the spring. All proceeds from fundraising and donations go to a local charity benefiting Asians and Asian Americans.
Rhythm is Universal:
The last event of the year is Rhythm is Universal, a performance showcase presented by the Chinese Students Association (CSA) and NAYO Dance Ensemble. The show features a broad spectrum of cultural student groups exhibiting various forms of the performance arts.
Keynote Speakers:
With the assistance of the Student Activities Fee, our larger student groups are able to invite prominent speakers to campus. Past speakers have included Kal Penn, Yul Kwon, Mira Nair, B.D. Wong, Ming-Na, Sanjay Gupta, James Kyson Lee, Russell Peters, Margaret Cho, Martin Yan, Wong-Fu Productions, and the cast and crew of the Justin Lin film Better Luck Tomorrow.
Performance Showcases & Concerts:
Many of our performance groups present showcases and concerts throughout the year. Brown Sugar and Treblemakers, both a cappella groups, host their own concerts. Deevas Dance Troupe unveiled its first-ever performance showcase in 2007. The performance groups can also be seen in several of the cultural shows described above.
Local & National Competitions:
Several of our performance groups like Deevas Dance Troupe, Bhangra Team, Raas Team, and even Kaibigan participate in competitions regionally and nationally. Our teams often place high including a few first place finishes.
Donation Drives:
Many of our student groups plan various donation drives during the year. Such drives include clothing drives, toy drives, book drives, and blood/bone marrow drives. Beneficiaries range from local communities and organizations to those that are national.
Spring Formals:
Each spring our student groups plan two formals at venues in Chicago. The South Asian Students Alliance (SASA) plans one formal while a conglomerate of groups plan the other formal.
