April 26, 2006 Source: :
http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2006/26-04-2006.html Saint Mary's Kicks Off Asian Heritage Month On Monday, May 1, 2006 at 5:30 PM, the Theatre Auditorium at Saint Mary's University will be the venue for the opening ceremony of Halifax's celebration of Asian Heritage month. This will be the seventh year that Halifax and Saint Mary’s will join cities in other parts of Canada and the United States for a month long celebration of Asian culture and heritage. A large number of people are expected to attend this event. "Over the past few decades, the Asian Studies Program at Saint Mary’s University has given countless students the opportunity to understand and appreciate the languages and cultures of Asian societies," says Dr. Charles Beaupre, who teaches Asian Studies via the Modern Languages and Classics Department. The opening ceremony will be followed by cultural performances and displays by various Asian communities. In sharing their heritage and culture with other Nova Scotians, Asian
Canadians hope to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the Asian Canadian community. "The Asian Studies program at Saint Mary’s has also been at the forefront in promoting cultural activities featuring Asia. For the last number of years, faculty members who teach Asian Studies have actively collaborated with representatives of the Asian Canadian community to celebrate Asian Heritage Month in Nova Scotia," explains Dr. Beaupre. He adds, "Saint Mary’s feels a strong sense of connection between our university and the very vibrant Asian Canadian community of Nova Scotia, particularly the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). I am grateful for the support from Saint Mary’s, faculty and administration alike, in ensuring that Asian Heritage Month is a success from one year to the next." The University has been home to a dynamic Asian Studies Department since the mid 1970’s and are key sponsors this unique event. Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a vibrant Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. -30- For More Information: Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca
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