Join us for a month-long series of events honoring the culture, traditions and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
In June 1978, Representative Frank Horton of New York introduced a resolution proposing that the President should “proclaim a week, which is to include the seventh and tenth of the month, during the first ten days in May of 1979 as ‘Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week.’” After that presidents passed annual proclamations for "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week" until 1990 when Congress passed a law which expanded the observance to a month for 1990. Then in 1992, Congress passed another law which annually designated May as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month." Because of the abundance of activities surrounding Commencement, Rider University celebrates "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month" in April, with a variety of traditional cultural events to recognize the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
Date & Time
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All DayTuesday, Apr 8, 2025
11:30 am - 1:30 pmDrums of Japan: Taikoza Live in Concert
Thursday, Apr 10, 2025
6:00 pm - 8:30 pmHeartbeat of the East
Bart Luedeke Center (BLC) Theatre Room 143 – Rider University
2083 Lawrenceville Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
United States
Schedule of events
Thursday, April 3
Exploring AAPI Cuisine
8 p.m.
Karaoke Night with the KPOP Club
Join the Korean Pop Culture Club for a fun-filled Karaoke Night in celebration of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Sing your favorite songs, meet new friends, and enjoy a night of music and community.
(Korean Pop Culture Club)
Premiere Event: Drums of Japan: Taikoza Live in Concert
Tuesday, April 8
11:30 a.m.
BLC Upper Patio (Rain Location: Bart Luedeke Center Cavalla Room)
Join the Center for Diversity and Inclusion in celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month with an electrifying performance by Taikoza! Experience the powerful rhythms of traditional Taiko drums alongside melodic sounds of the shakuhachi, fue, and koto, as world-renowned musician Marco Lienhard and his ensemble bring Japan’s rich musical heritage to life.
Taikoza’s high-energy performance will transport you with the thunderous beats of large barrel drums and the soulful melodies of bamboo flutes, blending centuries-old traditions with contemporary artistry. Led by Lienhard, a master of Taiko and shakuhachi, this performance features a talented ensemble of musicians who have performed on international stages, from Carnegie Hall to Madison Square Garden.
(Center for Diversity and Inclusion)
Thursday, April 10
Heartbeat of the East
6 p.m.
BLC Theater
Join Rider University’s Asian American Alliance for its annual celebration of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Experience an exciting evening filled with delicious Asian cuisine, captivating cultural dance performances, and dynamic showcases from Rider student clubs. With over 200 attendees last year, this event is one you won’t want to miss—RSVP here
(Rider University Asian American Alliance Group)
Friday, April 18
Boba Night
7 p.m.
Cavalla Room
Join the Asian American Student Association for Boba Night, an exciting evening of games, friendly competition, and delicious bubble tea! Team up, put your skills to the test and compete for a chance to win a refreshing drink while celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
(Asian American Student Association – AASA)
Thursday, April 24
Asian Professional Panel
5 p.m.
SRC Seminar Room
Connect, learn, and be inspired at the Asian Professional Panel, hosted by the Asian American Student Association. Engage with Rider alumni and faculty as they share their career journeys, offer valuable advice, and provide networking opportunities in celebration of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
(Asian American Student Association – AASA)