
All On-Campus Events Are Free and Open to the Public
Most events are offered in a hybrid format with Zoom access available.
Creighton University’s Asian World Center will host the 21st Annual Asian Culture Week from April 19 to April 25, 2026, continuing a tradition that began in 2005 of celebrating Asia’s rich cultural heritage while fostering global understanding across campus and the broader Nebraska community.
This year’s theme, “Heritage & Advocacy: Asian Legacies and Futures in Nebraska,” highlights the dynamic role of Asian American communities in shaping the state’s civic, cultural, and economic future. Through a week of exhibitions, lectures, performances, and community dialogues, the program will explore how cultural heritage informs leadership, public service, and policy innovation.
Most events will be offered in a hybrid format, with Zoom access available for broader participation.
Dates: April 19–25 | Time: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (Daily)
Curators:
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Anderson Plaza (Lawn outside the Hixon-Lied Science Building)
Hosted by: South Asian Student Association, Creighton Intercultural Center
Sponsored by: Asian World Center
A celebration of Holi, the Festival of Colors, which marks the arrival of spring and celebrates joy and renewal. The event will include color powder, music, and an Indian food truck serving appetizers and snacks.
3:30-4:00 p.m.
Location: Skutt Student Center, Room 104
A symbolic Tea Ceremony offering collective wishes for a meaningful and successful week of learning, cultural exchange, and celebration. The ceremony reflects traditions of harmony, respect, and shared reflection central to many Asian cultures.
4:15-5:15 p.m.
Location: Skutt Student Center, Room 105
Zoom: Join here
Participants:
5:30 p.m.
Location: Skutt Student Center, Room 104
11:45 a.m.- 12:45 p.m.
Location: Skutt Student Center, Room 105
1:00-2:30 p.m.
Location: Skutt Student Center Art Gallery
Speakers:
4:00- 5:30 p.m.
Location: Skutt Student Center, Room 105
Presenter:
This workshop aims to preserve and teach cultural skills while opening discussion on safeguarding intangible heritage in the diaspora, and how cultural continuity supports civic identity and advocacy work.
Refreshments: Different kinds of Asian finger foods and Japanese green tea
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Location: Skutt Student Center, Room 105
Zoom: Join here
Moderator:
11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Location: Dowling Hall, Humanities Center, Room B7A
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Skutt Student Center, Room 105
Zoom: Join here
Presenter:
11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: Skutt Student Center, Room 105
Zoom: Join here
Panelists:
Moderator:
This panel brings together two complementary themes: heritage preservation and international civic engagement. The discussion will explore how preserving community spaces—such as Japanese halls—and documenting inclusive local histories serve as forms of civic advocacy, supported by policy tools like landmark designation and grants. It will also highlight the role of Nebraska Asian American Affairs Commission and Omaha–Shizuoka sister-city partnerships, in advancing cultural diplomacy, strengthening local businesses, and fostering student and cultural exchanges.
5:15-5:45 p.m.
Zoom: Join here
Presenter:
Discussant:
Moderator:
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Location: Skutt Student Center, Room 105
Zoom: Join here
Speakers:
Moderator:
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Location: Skutt Student Center, Room 105
Zoom: Join here
Speaker:
Moderator:
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: Greek Islands Restaurant (3821 Center St, Omaha, NE)
RSVP here by April 18, 2026
Speaker:
Introduction:
Moderator:
(Open to the Public)
3:00-5:00 p.m.
Location: Skutt Student Center, Room 105
Engage with state leaders and community advocates in an open forum addressing issues, initiatives, and opportunities impacting Asian American communities in Nebraska.
5:15-5:45 p.m.
Location: By the Fireplace, Skutt Student Center
Performer:
Experience the dynamic energy of Japanese taiko drumming as a living cultural tradition. This performance includes brief reflections on how cultural arts organizations serve as platforms for community advocacy, education, and youth engagement across Nebraska.
6:00 p.m. (Immediately Following)
Location: Skutt Student Center, Room 105
This special gathering invites participants to reflect on legacy, service, and the role of individuals in shaping a more connected and compassionate community.
Award Presentation
In Honoring Linda S. Wojtan (1949-2026)
The Asian World Center is honored to present a Posthumous Honorary Award to Linda S. Wojtan, in recognition of her enduring support, dedication, and lasting contributions to cross-cultural understanding and global dialogue.
Closing Presentation: Leadership in Service
Ms. Carol Wang discusses nonprofit leadership in the medical and civic sectors—how Asian American professionals are improving health access, equity, and public understanding across Nebraska
The Asian World Center is honored to recognize the University Non-Western Studies Program and the Nebraska Commission on Asian American Affairs as the primary sponsors of Asian studies programs on campus and beyond.
We also extend our sincere gratitude for the generous donations and support from individuals and institutions across the country, whose contributions have made this week of cultural engagement and dialogue possible.
Additional valued support includes the Creighton South Asian Student Association, the Creighton Intercultural Center, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Heider College of Business, the Nebraska World Affairs Council, and the Omaha Sister Cities Association.
April 21-25, 2025
Experience a compelling visual exhibition celebrating two decades of Asian Culture Week. This curated showcase highlights the most memorable moments from the past 20 years while honoring the Asian World Center’s enduring commitment to fostering U.S.-Asia relations, environmental stewardship, and global sustainability. Through a series of thoughtfully designed posters, the exhibition narrates key milestones, illustrating the Center’s profound impact on cultural exchange and international collaboration.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Skutt Center, Room 105
Asian-Style Buffet
Join a thought-provoking discussion led by Creighton University’s Asian Studies and Philosophy for Children (P4C) students. Having participated in a 2024 summer program at Hohai University in China, they will share insights on pressing global challenges and cross-cultural understanding.
Panel Presenters:
Exploring the ecological importance of Nebraska’s underground lakes and strategies for preservation.
Moderator: Dr. Jinmei Yuan, Professor of Philosophy
8:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Harper Conference Room 2060
Experience the harmony of cultural tradition and sustainability through a Japanese Yobanashi night tea ceremony, performed by Ms. Mana Nakano, Tea Ceremony Artist, JOI Coordinator, Japan Foundation, followed by a candlelit meditation session. Featuring electric candle lights powered by clean energy, this event symbolizes Creighton’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Asian Tea and Refreshment
Paper-Cutting Artwork Exhibition
Asian Tea and Refreshment
12:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Skutt Center, Room 105
Asian-Style Buffet
Speaker: Dr. Bing Chen, Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
In honor of Earth Day, Dr. Chen will explore the critical question of environmental advocacy and responsibility, highlighting real-world examples of sustainability efforts and the role of individuals in protecting the planet.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Skutt Center, Room 105
Asian-Style Buffet
Topic One: Asian American Leadership in Law Enforcement and Civil Rights
Speaker: Weysan Dun, Former FBI Agent in Charge
Topic Two: The Formation of Nebraska’s Commission on Asian American Affairs – Why Now and What It Means for the Community
Speaker: Ryo Suzuki, Chairman, Nebraska State Commission on Asian American Affairs
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Skutt Center, Room 105
Speaker: Michael Miklaucic, Senior Fellow, National Defense University (NDU), Editor-in-Chief, PRISM
Paper-Cutting Artwork Exhibition
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Skutt Ballroom
Skutt Ballroom
The 20th Asian Culture Week is organized by the Asian World Center. The Center gratefully acknowledges the support of the University Non-Western Studies Grant, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Heider School of Business. Additionally, the Center sincerely appreciates the sponsorship of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, the Philosophy for Children Project, the Nebraska State Asian American Affairs Commission, the Nebraska World Affairs Council (NEWAC), and the JOI Program of the Japan Foundation.
March 18-22, 2024
With the support from the University Non-Western Studies Committee, and the University Committee for Lectures, Films, and Concerts, the Asian World Center organized and hosted the 19th Asian Culture Week from March 18 to 22, 2024. The theme of the Asian Culture Week is: "Embracing Diversity and Bridging Traditions-An Asian Tapestry of Past and Futures." All events are free and open to the public. More than 225 people attended the events in person throughout the week. Students, Faculty, staff, and general public also had the choice to attend the lecture events on March 19 and 20 via zoom.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen delivered a video address, celebrating Creighton’s 19th Asian Culture Week and paying homage to the significant role of Asian Americans in the state.
Reverend Daniel Hendrickson, President of Creighton University, warmly welcomed all attendees, emphasizing the invaluable contributions of Asian Americans to the fabric of Nebraska. He expressed profound gratitude to the Asian American community, both within Nebraska and beyond, lauding their resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication. Reverend Hendrickson encouraged a collective commitment to excellence and the nurturing of an inclusive and compassionate society. Additionally, he extended a special acknowledgment to the Asian heritage students and faculty members who have enriched the academic environment of Creighton University.
In a video message of welcome, Reverend Daniel Hendrickson, President of Creighton University, extended gratitude to Mr. Yanagi for gracing Creighton with his presence. He also acknowledged the attendees, recognizing them as representatives from various levels of government and public service who play crucial roles in nurturing essential connections spanning Omaha, Nebraska, the broader Midwest, the United States, and beyond.
Distinguished guests and participants for one or more events include: Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, Nebraska Secretary of State, Robert Evnen, Deputy Secretary of State Cindi Allen, Dr. Bridget Keegan, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Creighton University, Heath Mello, President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Major General Craig Strong, Nebraska National Guard, State Senator Tony Vargas, York City Administrator Sue Crawford, Senior Vice Chancellor Dr. Ni (Phil) He of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Betty Chin, Co-President, Nebraska World Affairs Council, Andy Schilling, Honorary Consul of Japan for Nebraska and Sheila Dorsey Vinton, CEO of the Asian Cultural and Community Center in Lincoln.
Here are four links to the selected events:
The list of 12 events is as follows.
See detailed events information below.
The 19th Asian Culture Week at Creighton University is organized by the Asian World Center with the sponsorship from the Nebraska World Affairs Council (NEWAC), Nebraska Asian American Leadership Alliance (NAALA), the Honorary Consul of Japan for Nebraska, and Japan Foundation JOI Outreach Program. We express our deepest gratitude for the support received from the University Non-Western Studies Committee, and the University Committee for Lectures, Films, and Concerts.
11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Eppley Building Room 312
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Eppley Room 309
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Harper Center Room 2045
10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Skutt Student Center Room 105
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Skutt Student Center Room 105
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Harper Center 2057/2058
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Harper Center 2057/2058
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Harper Center Room 2046
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Harper Center Room 2046
6:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Harper Center Fitzgerald Boardroom
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Harper Center Room 2045
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Harper Center Fitzgerald Boardroom
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Harper Center Fitzgerald Boardroom
The 19th Asian Culture Week at Creighton University is organized by the Asian World Center with the sponsorship from the Nebraska World Affairs Council (NEWAC), Nebraska Asian American Leadership Alliance (NAALA), the Honorary Consul of Japan for Nebraska, and Japan Foundation JOI Outreach Program. We express our gratitude for the support received from the University Non-Western Studies Grant, and the University Committee for Lectures, Films, and Concerts.