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25th Asian/Pacific Islander American
Heritage Program a Success

The 25th annual NIH Asian/Pacific Islander American Heritage Program was a great success. In the opening ceremonies, Tony Itteilag, NIH deputy director for management, welcomed the large crowd on the Bldg. 31 patio. He noted that the lunch programs have provided both culinary and cultural enrichment to the NIH community over the years. He also paid tribute to Asian and Pacific Islander Americans for their significant contribution to NIH efforts at protecting and improving the health of the nation.

A variety of Asian delicacies were available for lunch on the patio.

Despite threatening clouds and gusty winds, the crowd eagerly relished the dishes from China, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippines and Thailand. The Tai Yim Kung Fu School displayed their athletic abilities and a sense of humor in a Chinese lion dance. The crowd also enjoyed a demonstration of Chinese noodlemaking, a Japanese exhibition of a samurai sword, kimonos, and a Korean exhibition of costumes and crafts. Also featured were a bonsai exhibition and a demonstration of Chinese calligraphy. Korean drummers provided exciting music for the event.

The Chinese lion dance is performed on the Bldg. 31 patio by representatives of the Tai Yim Kung Fu School.

The celebrations continued with an evening program in Masur Auditorium, Bldg. 10. A happy, festive mood was established by the Chinese lion dance, which traditionally is performed to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck and protection. Dr. Victor Fung was master of ceremonies and Dr. Wendy Baldwin, NIH deputy director for extramural research, presented opening remarks and paid tribute to past programs and to the Asian committee members responsible for the annual heritage program. The NIH Asian and Pacific American Organization presented its 1997 outstanding achievement awards to five people for their accomplishments in science and/or equal employment opportunities activities: Drs. Shue Yann Cheng of NCI, Rashmi Gopal Srivastava of NEI and Yi-Fu Shue of NHLBI, Norman Krasnegor of NICHD, and Elaine Lamirande, formerly of NCRR.&emdash;Prahlad Mathur

	Jim Sullivan exhibits the art of bonsai.
A trio of Korean drummers performed during lunch.
	Anthony Itteilag (c), NIH deputy director for management, welcomed guests to the 25th Asian/Pacific Islander American Heritage Program recently. He is flanked by program coordinators Prahlad Mathur (l) and Dr. Victor Fung.