Division of Student Affairs > Diversity & Culture > Identity-specific Cultural and Resource Centers > APIDA Cultural Center

APIDA Cultural Center

Purpose/goals of center

  • To provide student-centered programs, a sense of belonging and services to a diverse Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander student population.
  • To establish an inclusive environment by providing outreach, advisement and encourage collaboration with Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander student organizations to raise awareness and understanding of uniq​ue culture, history and heritage.
  • To inform and promote awareness about issues affecting Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities through an intersectional lens in relationship with students, faculty, staff and the city of Chicago through cultural events, workshops and other outreach programs.
  • To promote coalition building, community and unity amongst the Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander students and the DePaul community.

Signature programs and events

MAASU is a regional organization that began in response to a need for political unity among Asian American students in the Midwest. MAASU provides resources and support to the Asian Pacific Islander American community and youth.

ASU is a weekly intra-group dialogue group for APIDA identifying womxn, trans and non-binary folks to come together to be in conversation and community, and build critical consciousness of various issues. ASU meets weekly with a new conversation topic. Folks are welcome to come and go as they desire. (Fall 2019: Meets every Thursday, 7-8:30pm in APIDA Cultural Center, O’Connell Hall, Room 340)

Potluck is a monthly dialogue series that takes place in the APIDA Cultural Center the first Tuesday of each month (beginning November 2019). In collaboration with students, campus departments, student organizations and/ or community members of Chicago, these series touch on understanding history, culture and/ or issues that are pertinent in the Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander community through food.

In collaboration with the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity, the Grace Lee Boggs Heritage Breakfast is held every May in honor of APIDA Heritage Month. The breakfast brings together members of the DePaul faculty, staff and alumni community, as well as DePaul community partners to celebrate activists for social justice within the Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. This event educates participants about relevant contemporary issues impacting the Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and aims to cultivate collaborative opportunities to serve as allies for social justice.

What began as a seven day period of observance designated by Congress in 1979 has evolved into a full-month celebration of pride and remembrance for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

This event recognizes the academic achievements of DePaul University’s Asian, Pacific Islanders and Desi American undergraduate and graduate students and their families and allies.

Check out the monthly newsletter below to see what’s happening this month! If you wish to receive the newsletter the 1st of every month in your inbox, please email Eva Long at elong9@depaul.edu.