(Suffern, NY) — Rockland Community College (RCC) is celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander and Haitian Heritage Month with an exciting schedule of events throughout April and the beginning of May. All events are open to the public.
“Rockland Community College is proud to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander and Haitian Heritage Month by bringing our campus community together through cultural programming, education, and shared experiences,” said Dr. William Mullaney, president of Rockland Community College. “These events reflect our ongoing commitment to honoring the diverse backgrounds of our students, faculty, and staff, and to fostering an environment of inclusion and understanding.”
Rockland Community College’s Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration, established in 2005, takes place annually from the second week of April through the first week of May. Organized by the AAPI Heritage Month Committee, the program promotes diversity and recognizes the contributions of RCC students, faculty, and staff of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. This year’s theme is Embracing Heritages, Celebrating Cultures!
All Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage events listed below are free and more information can be found here https://sunyrockland.edu/media/asian-pacific-islander-heritage/
Thursday, April 2, 12:20 pm EDT
Pop-Up Stands for Asian Treats (Part 1)
Try different Asian treats and guess their origins.
https://sunyrockland.edu/event/pop-up-stands-for-asian-treats-part-1/
Tuesday, April 7, 12:30 pm EDT
Getting to Know Chopsticks!
Chopsticks play an important role in Asian cuisines and come in a variety of shapes. Different kinds of chopsticks are used for specific functions. Learn the difference between Korean, Japanese, and Chinese chopsticks by playing a game.
https://sunyrockland.edu/event/getting-to-know-chopsticks/
Thursday, April 9, 5:00 pm EDT
New York State Asian American Pacific Islander (AAP) Commission at Rockland Community College with A Student Symposium Experience
Presenter: Kenny Nguyen, Operations Director, NYS Asian American Pacific Islander
The meeting will include a cultural tasting, exhibitors, cultural performances and an interactive panel with Student Symposium experience, “Our History, Our Health, Our Future” on the topic of immigration, health and community well-being.
https://sunyrockland.edu/event/nys-aapi-commission-at-rcc/
Tuesday, April 14, 12:15 pm EDT
Pop-Up Stands for Asian Treats (Part 2)
Sample different Asian treats and guess their origins.
https://sunyrockland.edu/event/pop-up-stands-for-asian-treats-part-2/
Tuesday, April 14, 12:30 pm EDT
Prominent Asian-American Comic Book Creators
For nearly fifty years, Asian and Asian-American comic book creators have had a profound effect on mainstream American comic book publishing. This presentation will look back at the careers of groundbreaking creators like Larry Hama, Stan Sakai and Jim Lee, while also examining their impact on the next generation of Asian writers and artists. Food will be served.
https://sunyrockland.edu/event/prominent-asian-american-comic-book-creators/
Wednesday, April 22, 11:00 am EDT
World Book Day with AAPI Literature
World Book Day is April 23, a day to celebrate literature, literacy, and reading. On Wednesday, April 22, stop by Nelson Mandela Room to grab a free book by an AAPI author! Food will be served.
https://sunyrockland.edu/event/world-book-day/
Thursday, April 23, 6:30 pm EDT
Food Enthusiast Program: Dinner Indian Style
Enjoy the extraordinary flavors of India as Chef Hema teaches you to make Potato and Pea Samosa , Mint Chutney, Sweet Sour Tamarind Chutney, Chicken Tikka Masala Roll, Rice Pullav, Vegetable Raita, and Mango Lassi. To be held at the RCC Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center at 70 Main Street in Nyack.
Note: there is a fee of $75 per person for this class.
https://sunyrockland.edu/event/food-enthusiast-program-dinner-indian-style/
Monday, April 27, 4:00 pm EDT
Short Films from the AAPI Diaspora
A virtual event hosted by Dr. Shamika Mitchell. A screening of short films from the AAPI diaspora.
https://sunyrockland.edu/event/short-films-from-the-aapi-diaspora/
Tuesday, April 28, 12:00 pm EDT
Learn to Make Your Own Origami
Come and learn about the history of origami! Make your own origami from a lesson in manipulating paper into various shapes, such as a butterfly, heart-shaped book marks, and a small crown.
https://sunyrockland.edu/event/learn-to-make-your-own-origami/
All Haitian events listed below are free and more information can be found here https://sunyrockland.edu/media/haitian-heritage-month/
Tuesday, April 21, 12:30 pm EDT
Let’s Get Cooking
Take part in an exciting cooking demo where you’ll learn to whip up a quick yet enticing Haitian dish! Presented by Rockland’s very own Chef Michelle Timothee of La Talaye Catering & Event Design/Café, this demo promises to be a feast for the senses.
https://sunyrockland.edu/event/lets-get-cooking/
Thursday, April 23, 5:00 pm EDT
Evening Star Presents a Taste of Haiti
Experience an evening of flavor with our irresistible Haitian Pate! Stop by and treat your taste buds to this delicious, savory favorite, perfectly crisp on the outside and packed with flavorful fillings.
https://sunyrockland.edu/event/evening-star-2026-04-23/
Thursday, April 30, 12:00 pm EDT
Spring Fest Carnival
Get ready for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and springtime celebration at our Spring Fest Carnival which will include exciting games, festive activities, great food, and a chance to connect with friends and classmates while enjoying the season. Join us at the Haitian Heritage table for a festive feast of traditional Haitian delights. ‘Tanpri vin selebre avèk nou‘ (Please come celebrate with us).
https://sunyrockland.edu/event/spring-fest-carnival/
Friday, May 1, 9:00 am EDT
A Taste of College
This unique experience invites high school students from across the county to explore what awaits them beyond graduation. Participants will experience college life by attending classes and engaging in interactive sessions. Beyond the classroom, students will enjoy a vibrant cultural experience, sampling delicious Haitian delicacies. This event is exclusively for high school students.
https://sunyrockland.edu/event/a-taste-of-college/
Rockland Community College’s Haitian Heritage Month began as a one-day event on campus in 1990 and expanded into a month-long celebration by the mid-1990s, reflecting its growing importance within the RCC community. While nationally observed in May, RCC holds its celebration in April to align with the academic calendar. Now in its 35th year, RCC continues to highlight Haiti’s history and culture through a series of campus events.