Randolph-Macon College’s Asian Studies department is pleased to announce that the annual J. Earl Moreland Lecture on Asia will be held on April 24, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ashland Theatre (205 England St., Ashland). The event will feature a screening of the documentary “Tyrus,” which will be introduced by Pamela Tom, the film’s writer, director and producer. This event is free and open to the public.

Reservations are recommended but not required; to reserve seats, contact mimicarter@rmc.edu.  

“We look forward to sharing this inspiring documentary,” says Laura Jo-Han Wen, interim chair of the Asian Studies department. “Students, faculty, staff, trustees, and friends of Randolph-Macon College are invited to attend what is sure to be a unique glimpse into Asian American history.”

About the Film
Tyrus Wong is the artist behind the popular animated classic “Bambi.” Until his death at the age of 106, Wong (1910-2016) was America’s oldest living Chinese American artist and one of the last remaining artists from the golden age of Disney animation. His Eastern-influenced paintings caught the eye of Walt Disney, who made Wong the inspirational sketch artist for “Bambi.”

“Tyrus Wong’s story is a prime example of one of the many gaping holes in our society’s narrative on art, cinema and Western history,” says director Pamela Tom. “By telling his story, I wanted to shine light on one of America’s unsung heroes and raise awareness of the vital contributions he’s made to American culture.”

The J. Earl Moreland Lecture on Asia
Each spring, the J. Earl Moreland Lecture on Asia brings a distinguished expert to the Randolph-Macon campus for a public lecture. The purpose of the lecture is to create greater understanding and interest in Asian affairs through direct contact with distinguished scholars and prominent professionals.

The lecture series was established through a generous donation from the late Dr. Lik Kiu Ding ’49 to commemorate Dr. J. Earl Moreland, who served as president of Randolph-Macon from 1939-1967.

Previous Moreland Lecture guests include Chum Bun Rong, Cambodian Ambassador to the United States and Mexico; writer Evan Osnos; director Jia Zhangke; actress Zhao Tao; Tom Vick, curator of Asian film, Smithsonian Institution; Yunsheng Huang, associate professor of Asian architecture, University of Virginia; author Raj Patel; Atsuyuki Oike, Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C.; and author Lisa Ko.