Commemorating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at ASU

Every April, ASU celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This month honors the history, heritage, achievements and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. Though celebrated nationally in May, at ASU, AAPI Heritage Month is recognized in April while the Sun Devil community is still on campus. 

This year’s AAPI Heritage Month theme, announced by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council, is “Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration.” 

The Asian/Asian Pacific American Students’ Coalition, which currently contains 20 clubs on campus, will lead the celebration of AAPI Heritage Month at ASU. Virtual and in-person events will be held throughout April. 

“Our events and our member organization events are not just for Asian or Pacific Islander students,” said AAPASC President Maria Manaog. “You can self-educate and meet new people from different backgrounds and different communities and as an ASU student, I think that is a very valuable opportunity.” 

Notable Events

Community Support Circle

Friday, April 15, 6 to 7 p.m.

Herberger Secret Garden, Tempe Campus

Join the Asian/Asian Pacific American Students’ Coalition for a community support circle. The theme for this event is food. Member organizations will be tabling and giving demonstrations on how to make different cultural snacks and food. 

Culture Night

Friday, April 22, 6 to 9 p.m.

SDFC Fields, Tempe Campus

Join the Asian/Asian Pacific American Students’ Coalition for outdoor live performances from AAPI artists and students along with tabling from cultural and AAPI-affiliated clubs.

The two headliners for this year’s event are Korean-American R&B artist Hojean and Korean-American classical pianist, violinist and vocalist Jae Luna, who is known for making music that transcends genres. 

SEAASA Soiree

Saturday, April 23, 5 to 10 p.m.

Sahara Banquet Hall, 918 W. Southern Ave., Mesa AZ 85210

Join the Southeast Asian American Student Association for a showcase of Southeast Asian cultures through performances and cuisine. 

The full list of AAPIHM events is available at the Educational Outreach and Student Services website. 

Campus Organizations

The Asian/Asian Pacific American Students’ Coalition is an alliance of 20 clubs and organizations at ASU. This coalition helps to maintain a strong Asian American and Pacific Islander community within ASU by coordinating campus-wide events that cultivate awareness, advocating for and representing the interests and needs of Asian/Asian Pacific American students and staying active in the community at large.

“People should come to our AAPIHM events and get involved with the coalition and member organizations to broaden their perspective of what it means to be a student and a person,” Manaog said.

The following clubs, associations and organizations are member organizations of AAPASC:

Alpha Phi Gamma

Ascend

Asian Business Leaders Association

Asian Corporate & Entrepreneur Leaders

Asian Nation Dance

Delta Chi Lambda Sorority, Inc.

Dynamic Movement

EPIC Movement

Hawai’i Pacific Islander Club

K-Pop Dance Evolution

Pacific Islander And Asian Association

Philippine American Student Association

Pi Alpha Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Society of Asian Scientists and Engineering

Southeast Asian American Student Association

Sun Devil Taiko Club

Unified Society of South Asians

Vietnamese Students Association

Asian American Association

Dynamic Movement

For more information on AAPASC and its member organizations, students can email aapasc@gmail.com or contact the coalition through Sun Devil Sync.