Cultural center hosts night of food, dance

Faculty members of Asian / Pacific American Student Services greeted those eager to attend the 13th annual Taste of A/PASS on Wednesday at the Kohl house. Despite the windy weather, guests enjoyed a cultural night filled with authentic ethnic food, cultural entertainment and free prizes. 

“Tonight, we’re serving our guests traditional Asian cuisine,” said Sam Kim, the director of A/PASS. “All of the food was prepared by students and volunteers from the community.”

The meal included various Asian dishes from the Korean, Filipino, Hawaiian, Thai and Japanese cultures. Jasmine Chinese tea and moon cakes were provided by the Chinese Language and Cultural Club.

“I liked the diversity in the food,” said Brett Radin, a junior English major. “It was neat tasting new things and being exposed to the Asian culture.”  

Faculty members said the ingredients for the food were bought from the Asian Pacific Mercantile the Asian Pacific Mercantile Company in Denver, and preparation for the event started Monday.

“We based our food estimate from our experience last year,” said Charissa Riofta, a junior business major. “We prepared for about 400 to 500 people.”

The event featured Chinese trivia, hula dancing, poetry readings, a skit from the Chinese Club and a brief appearance from Greeley Mayor Ed Clark. 

“The focus of our organization and for tonight’s event is to help out the Asian students on campus, as well as reach out to other students and members from the Greeley community,” Kim said. “We want to share our culture with them.”

Kim said about 300 students on campus identify themselves as Asian.
Informational booths from the Admissions Office, Center for International Education,Marcus Garvey Cultural Center and the Women’s Resources Center were set up for students to ask questions and get involved at UNC.

“All of us are on the Dean of Students Leadership team,” said Ty’Ray Thompson, the director of the Marcus Garvey Center. “Our organization is here tonight to show social support and to learn about the Asian culture.”