Introduction

The Mid-Atlantic Region Association for Asian Studies (MAR/AAS) is a nonpolitical, nonprofit scholarly organization dedicated to improving understanding between Asia and America. 

Since 1971, the MAR/AAS has offered conferences, publications and outreach activities to an increasingly large public in the mid-Atlantic region. 

Membership is open to all individuals and institutions interested in Asia and relations between Asia and the United States. Membership in the MAR/AAS entitles individuals and institutions to participate in the MAR/AAS activities, to receive news about Asia-related educational opportunities, and to gain access to a network of scholars and experts on Asia in the region. 

Purpose

The MAR/AAS encourages the exchange of views and information on Asia and on ties between Asia and the United States. It facilitates contact among educators and professionals in such fields as business, law, government, and mass media. 

The MAR/AAS, one of the eight regional organizations affiliated with the national Association for Asian Studies (AAS), is represented on the AAS Council of Conferences. The objectives of the MAR/AAS parallel those of the national organization, with a special focus on the needs of the mid-Atlantic region, including its colleges, universities, high schools, and elementary schools. It provides outreach support to teachers of Asian Studies through an annual workshop, a newsletter, an annual high school essay contest, and presentations at state and regional social studies meetings. 

The geographic scope of the MAR/AAS includes the states of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and the metropolitan areas of 

New York City and Washington, D.C. The MAR/AAS conference programs and other activities focus primarily on the social sciences and humanities as they deal with the nations of Asia, but also aim increasingly to serve the needs of other professions. 

Administration

Officers

Officers of the MAR/AAS are elected by the membership. They manage the affairs of the organization with the assistance of an Advisory Council and a number of standing committees. The Executive Committee consists of the President, Vice-President, Executive Secretary, Secretary, Treasurer, two members-at-large, the representative of the AAS Council of Conferences, and the immediate Past President. 

Funding

The MAR/AAS is primarily funded by membership dues but invites contributions in support of its activities to build better understanding of Asia and better relations between Asian and American peoples. It is incorporated in the State of New Jersey and has tax exempt status under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 

MAR/AAS PUBLICATIONS

•ASIA NEWSLETTER

-official bulletin of the MAR/AAS 

•EDUCATION FORUM

-periodical dedicated to educational issues 

•MID-ATLANTIC BULLETIN OF KOREAN STUDIES 

MAR/AAS ACTIVITIES

•Annual Conference including 

-scholarly panels 
-book exhibits 
-art exhibits 
-programs of Asian dance and music 

•Annual Teaching Asia Workshop 

-for secondary school teachers 

•Marie G. Wanek Prize 

-high school essay contest 

ANNUAL CONFERENCE SITES

Each year in late October or early November, several hundred people interested in Asia gather at a college or university in the region for a three day conference featuring scholarly panels, a book exhibit, art exhibitions, and programs of dance and music related to Asia. Participants include university and secondary school teachers, librarians, students, business people, and public officials. 

1972 Seton Hall University 
1973 Glassboro State College 
1974 Bucknell University 
1975 Towson State University 
1976 The Pennsylvania State University 
1977 Princeton University 
1978 George Washington University 
1979 Clarion University of Pennsylvania 
1980 Drew University 
1981 University of Maryland, College Park 
1982 University of Pittsburgh 
1983 University of Pennsylvania 
1984 Princeton University 
1985 George Washington University 
1986 University of Delaware 
1987 Lehigh University
1988 Indiana University of Pennsylvania 
1989 Georgetown University 
1990 Rutgers University 
1991 Lock Haven University 
1992 West Chester University 
1993 Ramapo College 
1994 University of Pittsburgh 
1995 Towson State University 
1996 Seton Hall University 
1997 West Chester University
1998 University of Delaware
1999 Gettysburg College
2000 Lehigh University
2001 Slippery Rock Univetsity 
2002 The Community College of Baltimore County Essex Campus

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