Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Welcome to Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month at RCC

On behalf of the Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Committee, former co-chairs, Professor Martha Rottman and Dr. Liya Li composed the following Haiku in April 2017 and published it in the Journal commemorating Dr. Wood’s legacies during his tenure as President of Rockland Community College from 2004 – 2017. Of the many legacies Dr. Wood has left with us is the Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration each year from the second week of April to the first week of May.

The first celebration took place in 2005 under the tutelage of Dr. Wood, who co-chaired the committee with Dr. Liya Li. Ever since then, the committee has been adhering to its mission in promoting diversity at RCC and in celebrating contributions made by RCC staff, faculty, and students of Asian and Pacific Islander descent.

The theme for this year is Embracing Heritages, Celebrating Cultures!

Bamboo shoots in spring
showers. Your legacy blooms
beautiful flowers.

2025 Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Events

From the third week of April to the second week of May, come to the Cafeteria and enjoy delicious food from a variety of Asian & Pacific Islander cuisines, such as Hawaiian Pineapple Cake, General Tso’s Chicken, and Thai Curry Rice Noodles. You won’t go hungry with the culinary delights prepared by RCC’s chefs. Add this to your calendar ASAP!

student smiling and giving peace signs at origami event
group sitting around the table at origami event

Our Past Histories: FREE Documentary Films

Event Recordings

2025 Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Committee Co-Chairs

Dr. En-Shu Robin Liao
Dr. En-Shu Robin Liao
Professor Kristian Dougherty

2025 Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Committee Members

Professor Christopher Flatley (Faculty Member)
Ms. Virginia Flatley (Staff Member)
Dr. Lilia Juele (Staff Member)
Dr. Liya Li (Faculty Member)
Dr. Shamika Mitchell (Faculty Member)
Dr. Rebha Sabharwal (Faculty Member)
Ms. Yaritza Santana (Staff Member)
Professor Xin Ye (Faculty Member)