Vivian Shaw, assistant professor of sociology at Loyola University Maryland, will give the keynote address at the University of Rhode Island’s fourth annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Luncheon on April 30 in the Memorial Union Ballroom on the Kingston campus.
The event highlights student leadership within URI’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community and recognizes their contributions. The luncheon is part of an annual program that celebrates the history, culture, traditions, and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Shaw’s research focuses on how disasters, pandemics, and environmental threats affect social responses to inequality. She leads research for the AAPI COVID-19 Project, which examines how the pandemic has impacted Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Shaw is also writing a book about anti-racist social movements in Japan following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.
The luncheon will feature Cultural Ambassador Awards for students. These awards are sponsored by Professor Qing (Ken) Yang from URI’s engineering faculty. Yang was the first person from mainland China to join URI’s faculty. “As Asian Americans, we should take pride in our cultural heritage and strive to further enhance this esteemed institution in the years to come,” Yang says.
Attendees can expect performances as well as a lunch featuring Asian dishes. The program encourages attire representing Asian or Pacific Islander cultures. It is hosted by URI’s Multicultural Student Services Center with Dining Services and the Office of International Students and Scholars. Registration for the event closes April 26.
