Yesterday evening, students and faculty struggled to answer a potpourri of questions on Asian American history, pop-culture and other trivia facts. Gathered in Hotung, the event was the 12th annual Asian American Jeopardy challenge.
Though this event has taken place for over a dozen years inconsecutively, many students are not familiar with the competition. The Asian American Center enlists several students and faculty members to compete in teams, trying to answer questions that range from simple to difficult.
Sponsored by the center, the event is one among many sponsored by the center in honor of Asian American Month. Professors Harry Bernheim, Mary Glaser and Steve Marrone were among those participating in the competition. Professor Gerald Gill filled the moustached shoes of Alec Trebek as the moderator.
"The event is to find an entertaining way for students to learn about Asian and Asian American topics," Asian American Center Director Linell Yugawa said. "So some topics are just fun stuff, but we also cover some Asian American issues and topics as well."
The Center has had strong support this month, though it faces the persistent problem of procuring outside interest. "I think it would be great if students who weren't part of the Asian American community came out to the events," Yugawa said. Otherwise, Yugawa felt the effort was "very successful."
Upcoming events sponsored by the Center include a filming of "American Desi," the story of a second-generation South Asian college student coming to terms with his ethnic identity in the midst of college. This event, taking place Thursday evening in Barnum 008, is sponsored specifically by the Tufts Association of South Asians.
Friday night will bring students a "Karaoke Night Outing," sponsored by the Japanese Culture Club. In addition, the Thai club is sponsoring its 5th Annual King's Cup Thai Soccer Tournament on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Gantcher Center. Students can register online to take part.
For further information, students may contact the Asian American Center at x3056 or peruse the events online at http://ase.tufts.edu/asianam/events.htm.
