Norfolk District celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Posted May 24, 2010
By David Kidd, Summer Intern
Norfolk District Public Affairs

05/24/2010 - FORT NORFOLK, Va. — "With a diverse population you look at things differently, with a different perspective," said Dr. Arun Verma, guest speaker at the Norfolk District Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebration, held here May 19.

Dr. Verma, an endowed university professor of mathematics at Hampton University, Hampton, Va., is a first generation Asian-American of Indian descent, who has lived in the United States for the past 21 years.

In his presentation, "Diverse Leadership for a Diverse Workforce," Dr. Verma discussed with district employees the many reasons for celebrating Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, elaborating on how people of Asian and Pacific Island descent have greatly contributed to American society. He also revealed that among the nearly 30 different ethnicities represented by Asian-Pacific Americans, each group offers unique cultures, heritages and religions.

In 1977, Congress reserved the first 10 days of May to celebrate Asian-Pacific American heritage. Congress recognized that people of Asian and Pacific Island descent should be commemorated for their important contributions in shaping the history of the United States. In 1990, the celebration was expanded to a month-long observance in May.

Following his presentation, Dr. Verma conducted an audience quiz using the Personal Response System. PRS is a computer program that uses clickers to answer questions. He quizzed the audience on his presentation as well as their knowledge of significant Asian-Pacific Americans.

At the program's conclusion, district employees were treated to a food-tasting of Philippine cuisine, featuring pancit and ensemada.