On March 13, 2009, The Asian Festival of Lights brightened up a Friday the 13th. Megan Geeck, an International Business major, with strong support from our International Business Center under the direction of Dr. Wing Fok, organized the event to promote Asian cultures in the Residential Quad of our campus. The afternoon was filled with Asian cultural performances including: traditional Vietnamese and Indian dances, Chinese Tai Chi, Japanese Karate demonstration, and Chinese lion dance.
The highlight was provided by the St. Louis Osuwa Taiko Drumming Group. Students and faculty were treated to a hands-on experience of actually playing on the drums with the group. Displays were included to inform attendees about Asian activities on and off campus. Attendees were also treated to many traditional Asian cuisines donated by local restaurants. It was well attended by Loyola and Tulane students, as well as many guests from local communities.
Megan and Dr. Fok were invited to appear on ABC Channel 26’s Good Morning New Orleans on March 12 to introduce the event. In addition to many campus organizations, the festival received financial support and sponsorship from many local communities including the Asian Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana and Asian/Pacific American Society (APAS).