NIU Center for Southeast Asian Studies

This Wednesday at 7 PM 🎬

Join us at the Egyptian Theatre for a free screening of LOOT – A Story of Crime and Redemption, hosted by NIU Center for Southeast Asian Studies.

This powerful documentary explores the global trade of looted Cambodian antiquities, followed by a panel discussion with experts from NIU and UIC.

Free and open to the public.

A well deserved honor to all, including CSEAS associate, Scot Schraufnagel!

The Center for Southeast Asian Studies presents for the first time at a university in the US, the new release, LOOT - A Story of Crime and Redemption, a documentary directed by Don Millar that exposes the illegal trade of Cambodian "blood antiquities". The film travels from landmine-laced temple ruins in Cambodia to the polished halls of elite museums in London and New York, capturing the staggering contrast between impoverished looters and the wealthy individuals profiting from their activities. As looted Khmer artifacts begin to be returned — some as recently as July 2024 from the Met Museum — LOOT documents a redemptive arc of a country reclaiming its cultural identity.

Panel discussion to follow screening.

Panelists:

Mitch Hendrickson

Associate Professor of Anthropology, University of Illinois Chicago

Trude Jacobsen Gidaszewski

Professor of History, Northern Illinois University

Catherine Raymond

Professor of Art History (Emerita), Northern Illinois University


This event is free and open to the public.

Solar New Year Celebration today (April 7) in the Music Building!

5:00 - Cultural Activities, including custom Thai New Year 2026 Polaroid photos!

7:00 - Music performance by NIU Thai/Lao Music Ensemble tonight

Our colleague, Dr. Taylor Atkins, NIU's Fulbright Program Advisor, will be hosting an informational meeting on the U.S. Fulbright Student Program and talking about the application process for the 2027-28 awards cycle via Zoom, on Tuesday, April 7, 12:00-1:00 PM. A flyer is attached.

This meeting is open to anyone who would like to learn about the U.S Fulbright Student Program

Registration is required at https://go.niu.edu/fulbrightworkshop2026

The link to the calendar entry is https://calendar.niu.edu/event/student-fulbright-workshop-8360

Happy Huskie United Week! 🐾

CSEAS is excited to participate in Huskie United on April 1–2! This is a great opportunity to come together and support the work we do. You can donate using our link the day of the event or even make a gift early! All donations will help the Center continue providing scholarships, hosting events for the community, and supporting CSEAS programs and initiatives.

is Wednesday, April 1 – Thursday, April 2, noon-noon. For 24 hours, Huskie Nation will rise to the challenge to unite around the mission, vision and values of NIU, creating impact and forging opportunities for current and future students.

Donate to CSEAS During Huskie United!
How does it work?

1. Click on our unique link: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/NorthernIllinoisUniversityFoundation/huskies-united/pages/clas/?a=12484201

2. Learn more about us – read about who we are and how your donation will be used.

3. Click “Make Your Gift” to start the donation process.
4. Select your donation amount.

5. Choose a designation (e.g., Center for Southeast Asian Studies Excellence Fund).

6. Select an incentive option (if applicable).

7. Fill out your contact information.

8. Click “Make Your Gift Now”