Report on the 19th Asian Culture Week

With the support from the University Non-Western Studies Committee, and the University Committee for Lectures, Films, and Concerts, the Asian World Center organized and hosted the 19^th Asian Culture Week from March 18 to 22, 2024. The theme of the Asian Culture Week is: "Embracing Diversity and Bridging Traditions-An Asian Tapestry of Past and Futures." All events are free and open to the public.  More than 225 people attended the events in person throughout the week. Students, Faculty, staff, and general public also had the choice to attend the lecture events on March 19 and 20 via zoom.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen delivered a video address, celebrating Creighton’s 19^th Asian Culture Week and paying homage to the significant role of Asian Americans in the state.

Reverend Daniel Hendrickson, President of Creighton University, warmly welcomed all attendees, emphasizing the invaluable contributions of Asian Americans to the fabric of Nebraska. He expressed profound gratitude to the Asian American community, both within Nebraska and beyond, lauding their resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication. Reverend Hendrickson encouraged a collective commitment to excellence and the nurturing of an inclusive and compassionate society. Additionally, he extended a special acknowledgment to the Asian heritage students and faculty members who have enriched the academic environment of Creighton University.

In a video message of welcome, Reverend Daniel Hendrickson, President of Creighton University, extended gratitude to Mr. Yanagi for gracing Creighton with his presence. He also acknowledged the attendees, recognizing them as representatives from various levels of government and public service who play crucial roles in nurturing essential connections spanning Omaha, Nebraska, the broader Midwest, the United States, and beyond.

Distinguished guests and participants for one or more events include: Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, Nebraska Secretary of State, Robert Evnen, Deputy Secretary of State Cindi Allen, Dr. Bridget Keegan, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Creighton University, Heath Mello, President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Major General Craig Strong, Nebraska National Guard, State Senator Tony Vargas, York City Administrator Sue Crawford, Senior Vice Chancellor Dr. Ni (Phil) He of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Betty Chin, Co-President, Nebraska World Affairs Council, Andy Schilling, Honorary Consul of Japan for Nebraska and Sheila Dorsey Vinton, CEO of the Asian Cultural and Community Center in Lincoln.

Here are four links to the selected events:

1. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen delivered a video address, celebrating Creighton’s 19^th Asian Culture Week and paying homage to the significant role of Asian Americans in the state. https://www.creighton.edu/sites/default/files/2024-03/AWC%20Governor%20Pillen%20Message_1.mp4
2. Reverend Daniel Hendrickson, President of Creighton University, warmly welcomed all attendees, emphasizing the invaluable contributions of Asian Americans to the fabric of Nebraska. https://vimeo.com/925938511/9917c9bf31?share=copy
3. Reverend Daniel Hendrickson, President of Creighton University, delivers a video message of welcome, extending gratitude to Mr. Yanagi for gracing Creighton with his presence. https://vimeo.com/925924802/739b91c9e9?share=copy
4. Beauty of the World: Artwork by Artificial Intelligence https://www.creighton.edu/sites/default/files/2024-03/Art%20Logos.mp4

The list of 12 events is as follows.

1. Week-long Artwork Exhibition: Beauty of the World: Artwork by Artificial Intelligence--Inquiry and Inspiration: A.I. Reflections on Nature in Asia
2. Public Lectures: Asia, America, AI and Alternative Futures. Topics: "Predicting Net Migration with Machine-Learning Methods;" "Chinese Maritime Expansion in Oceania: Future Implications for Pacific Island Nations;" "The Essence of Human Connection in the Age of AI: A Personal Perspective"
3. Public Lecture:  Topic: "Gandhi's Legacy and the RSS: Unraveling Myths and Examining Ideological Differences"
4. India Drama Film and Discussion: The White Tiger
5. Public Demonstration: Japanese Tea Ceremony
6. Public Presentation: Japanese Enka Music Appreciation
7. In-Person Dinner and Webinar Lecture:  Topic: "American Deterrence is Failing"
8. In-Person and Webinar Lecture: Topic: "Global Health and Dental Care Disparities: Addressing the Unmet Needs"
9. Japanese Film and Discussion: Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
10. Chinese Film and Discussion: To Live
11. Invited Only Dinner Presentation Event: Topic: “The Foundation of US-Japan Relations in a Time of Global Uncertainty” by Mr. Jun Yanagi, Consul-General of Japan in Chicago
12. Public Lecture event: Topic: Journey of Triumph: A Showcase of Asian American Narratives. Topics: "Voices of Resilience: Asian American Narratives of Overcoming Challenges;" "Unsung Heroes: Stories of Asian Americans in Service to the Nation;" "Innovation and Excellence: Asian American Trailblazers in STEM;" "Cultural Bridges: Asian American Contributions to Arts and Entertainment;" "Empowering Communities: Asian American Leaders in Advocacy and Social Change"

See detailed events information below.

The 19^th Asian Culture Week at Creighton University is organized by the Asian World Center with the sponsorship from the Nebraska World Affairs Council (NEWAC), Nebraska Asian American Leadership Alliance (NAALA), the Honorary Consul of Japan for Nebraska, and Japan Foundation JOI Outreach Program.  We express our deepest gratitude for the support received from the University Non-Western Studies Committee, and the University Committee for Lectures, Films, and Concerts.

Schedule

Beauty of the World: Artwork by Artificial Intelligence

• Artwork Theme: Infinite Inspiration: A.I. Reflections on Nature in Asia
• Art Gallery, Skutt Student Center
   

March 18, 2024 (Monday)

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Eppley Building Room 312

• Public Lectures: Asia, America, AI and Alternative Futures
  • Presentation Topic One: "Predicting Net Migration with Machine-Learning Methods"
  • Presenter: Bryce Fergison, Senior, College of Arts and Science
• Presentation Topic Two: “Chinese Maritime Expansion in Oceania: Future Implications for Pacific Island Nations”
  • Presenter: Wyatt J. Greco, Senior, College of Arts and Science
• Presentation Topic Three: “The Essence of Human Connection in the Age of AI: A Personal Perspective”
  • Presenter: Emily Atamov, Senior, College of Arts and Science

3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Eppley Room 309

• Public Lecture: "Gandhi's Legacy and the RSS: Unraveling Myths and Examining Ideological Differences"
  • Presenter: Aneeq K. Bashir, Senior, College of Arts and Science

6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Harper Center Room 2045

• India Drama Film and Discussion
  • Film: The White Tiger
  • Moderator: AWC Staff
     

March 19, 2024 (Tuesday)

10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Skutt Student Center Room 105

• Public Demonstration: Japanese Tea Ceremony
  • Tea Artist: Ms. Mana Nakano, Japan Foundation JOI Outreach Program Coordinator

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Skutt Student Center Room 105

• Public Presentation: Japanese Enka Music Appreciation
  • Moderator: Ms. Mana Nakano, Japan Foundation JOI Outreach Program Coordinator

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Harper Center 2057/2058

• In-Person Dinner and Webinar Lecture (Dinner RSVP Required)
  • Topic: "American Deterrence is Failing"
  • Distinguished Speaker: Michael Miklaucic, Senior Fellow, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University, and Editor-in-Chief, PRISM
  • Co-sponsored by Nebraska World Affairs Council
• Watch the Webinar
   

March 20, 2024 (Wednesday)

4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Harper Center 2057/2058

• In-Person and Webinar Lecture
  • Topic: "Global Health and Dental Care Disparities: Addressing the Unmet Needs"
  • Distinguished Speaker: Dr. Charles F. Craft, Nebraska State Dental Health Director, Division of Public Health
  • Reception with Asian refreshments will follow
  • Co-sponsored by Nebraska World Affairs Council
• Watch the Webinar
   

March 21, 2024 (Thursday)

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Harper Center Room 2046

• Japanese Film and Discussion
  • Film: Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
  • Moderator: AWC Staff

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Harper Center Room 2046

• Chinese Film and Discussion
  • Film: To Live
  • Moderator: AWC Staff

6:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Harper Center Fitzgerald Boardroom

• Remarks by Jun Yanagi, Consul-General of Japan in Chicago
  • The Foundation of US-Japan Relations in a Time of Global Uncertainty
  • Dinner in Honor of Jun Yanagi, Consul-General of Japan in Chicago
  • Invited Guests ONLY
  • Co-sponsors: Nebraska World Affairs Council and Honorary Consul of Japan for Nebraska
     

March 22, 2024 (Friday)

4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Harper Center Room 2045

• Nebraska Asian American Leadership Alliance
  • Members Meeting (invited guests only)

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Harper Center Fitzgerald Boardroom

• Journey of Triumph: A Showcase of Asian American Narratives
  • Presenters: Members of the Nebraska Asian American Leadership Alliance
  • Message from Mr. Jim Pillen, Nebraska Governor, in honor of Asian Americans
  • Keynote Address: Mr. Weysan Dun, Commissioner-Nebraska Crime Commission and Retired FBI Special Agent in Charge
  • Themes:
    • “Voices of Resilience: Asian American Narratives of Overcoming Challenges”
    • “Unsung Heroes: Stories of Asian Americans in Service to the Nation"
    • “Innovation and Excellence: Asian American Trailblazers in STEM”
    • "Cultural Bridges: Asian American Contributions to Arts and Entertainment"
    • "Empowering Communities: Asian American Leaders in Advocacy and Social Change"
  • Co-sponsored by Nebraska World Affairs Council and Nebraska Asian American Leadership Alliance

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Harper Center Fitzgerald Boardroom

• Dinner Event in Honor of Asian Americans
  • Remarks: Alan Wang, Chair, Nebraska Asian American Leadership Alliance
  • Agents of Change: Directing the Course for Asian American Advocacy
  • Co-sponsored by Nebraska World Affairs Council and Nebraska Asian American Leadership Alliance
     

Acknowledgement

The 19th Asian Culture Week at Creighton University is organized by the Asian World Center with the sponsorship from the Nebraska World Affairs Council (NEWAC), Nebraska Asian American Leadership Alliance (NAALA), the Honorary Consul of Japan for Nebraska, and Japan Foundation JOI Outreach Program.  We express our gratitude for the support received from the University Non-Western Studies Grant, and the University Committee for Lectures, Films, and Concerts.