Fullerton College Celebrates Asian Pacific Islander and Desi American Heritage Month
In celebration of Asian Pacific Islander and Desi American (APIDA) Month, Fullerton College will host a series of events to celebrate the diverse identities, histories, and lived experiences of all Asian Pacific Islander and Desi Americans.
Starting with APIDA Heritage Month Kickoff, the campus community is invited to enjoy Asian snacks and appetizers, all while learning more about APIDA Heritage Month. The kickoff will be held on May 1 at noon at the quad.
At the kickoff, attendees will be given an event airline ticket that they will utilize to “travel” to different countries. Each table will represent a different East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, or Pacific Islander country that will be decorated to represent the country’s culture. Attendees can visit different countries to learn facts and information about each country and enjoy food native or well-known to the countries represented.
“Food has the power to bring people from different backgrounds and cultures together,” said Albert Abutin, Dean of Enrollment Services and Co-Chair of APIDA Advisory & Support Team. “I’m excited for the FC campus community to experience a little bit of APIDA culture through food and to celebrate our APIDA students.”
APIDA Heritage Month Kickoff will be followed by “Fill Up Your Boba Cup” on May 3 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. in Building 200, Rooms 224–228. “Fill Up Your Boba Cup” will be an opportunity to meet and greet APIDA students, faculty, and staff in an interactive workshop to reflect on the APIDA student experience. Students will have a chance to share their experiences and develop strategies for success. During the event, students can discover resources and access drop-in services from various departments and offices on campus. Free boba, milk tea, and childhood snacks from various APIDA cultures will be provided. There will also be an opportunity drawing for all attendees.
The following week, students can enjoy a movie screening of Yellow Rose on May 9 from 1:30–3:30 p.m. at the Student Center. Yellow Rose tells the story of a Filipina teen from a small Texas town who fights to pursue her dreams as a country music performer while deciding between staying with her family or leaving the only home she has known.
APIDA Heritage Month programming will conclude with the inaugural APIDA Cultural Graduation on May 12. All APIDA graduates who have applied for graduation for Summer 2022, Fall 2022, or Spring 2023 are invited to participate in this intimate cultural celebration honoring their accomplishments, identity, and culture. APIDA graduates who RSVP will be honored with an APIDA stole that they are welcome to wear for Commencement 2023. All APIDA graduates interested in participating must RSVP on or before May 3 by 5 p.m. to be included. Faculty and staff are invited to celebrate APIDA graduates at the APIDA Cultural Graduation. Interested faculty and staff must complete a participation form.
Fullerton College’s inaugural APIDA Heritage Month is thanks to the collaboration between APIDA Advisory and Support Team, Associated Students, Student Life and Leadership, and the Cadena Cultural Center.
Below is a recap of events planned for APIDA Heritage Month.
APIDA Heritage Month Kick Off
Monday, May 1 at 12 p.m. | Quad
Fill Up Your Boba Cup
Wednesday, May 3 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Building 200, Rooms 224–228
RSVPs to Fill Up Your Boba Cup are highly recommended.
Movie Screening: Yellow Rose
Tuesday, May 9 from 1:30–3:30 p.m. | Student Center (Building 200, Room 214)
APIDA Cultural Graduation
Friday, May 12 from 5–7 p.m. | Quad
All APIDA graduates must RSVP on or before May 3 by 5 p.m. to be included.
Faculty and staff are invited to celebrate APIDA graduates and must complete a participation form.
