Just because it’s almost the end of the semester and finals are looming doesn’t mean there’s less fun on the UC Merced campus.
The week of April 23-28 will be particularly busy, because it’s Women’s Week and Asian Fest is on its way.
The University Women of Merced Network is sponsoring a number of events including a film, a women’s health fair, and more.
On April 23 at 7 p.m., the film “Killing Us Softly” will air in The Bobcat Lair on the first floor of the library. The film delves into advertising and women’s self-image, and will be followed by a discussion with De Acker, assistant dean of the School of Natural Sciences.
The health fair will happen April 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of the Office of Student Life.
That evening at 7 p.m., there will be a women-only striptease-aerobics class that teaches dance moves while giving a great workout. If you’re interested, e-mail the UWMN at uwmn.ucm@gmail.com. They’ll let you know where the class will be held.
“We want women to feel proud to be women,” said club President Caitlyn Kennedy. “There are just so many aspects of being a woman that can be explored.”
The week ends with Asian Fest from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 28, in front of the library. The highlight of the event is the “Asian Supershow” from 5-7 p.m. in the Dr. Lakireddy Auditorium. The Supershow features cultural performers including Polynesian dancers, martial artists, Hmong dancers, Filipino singers, Bhangra Indian dancers and much more. Tickets for that portion of the event are $5 for adults and $3 for children.
Last year’s Asian Fest, put on by the Martial Arts Club, was a huge success, and organizers hope it grows even more this year.
Martial Arts Club President Chris Abrescy said he group wants to show many aspects of Asian culture, from games and demonstrations to crafts, hands-on activities such as henna tattoos, calligraphy and origami, and food from Thailand, the Philippines, China, Vietnam and Japan.
“We want to focus on showing the campus community what Merced has to offer, and showing the Merced community what UC Merced is capable of doing,” Abrescy said. “We look at our Asian festival as a stepping stone in the right direction.”
For information about these events, contact the Office of Student Life, the UWMN at uwmn.ucm@gmail.com (for Women’s Week information) or Abrescy at chrisabrescy@yahoo.com (for Asian Fest information).
