This story will be updated throughout March and April.
MSU recognizes Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, or APIDA, Heritage Month during March and April each year to increase the visibility and awareness of the group’s multicultural diversity.
The 2023 APIDA Heritage Month events are coordinated by the APIDA Heritage Month Committee, which consists of members from the Asian Pacific American Student Organization, or APASO, the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American/Asian Faculty and Staff Association, or APIDA/AFSA, and the Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions, or OCAT.
APIDA Heritage Month campus events
Friday, March 17
APIDA Heritage Month Community Dinner
7 to 8:30 p.m. • Erickson Hall Kiva
Join fellow MSU students at a community dinner honoring APIDA Heritage Month and enjoy an evening of community, food and activities. Boxed meals will be provided by registration only. Students interested in helping distribute food are encouraged to sign up to volunteer.
Saturday, March 18
HASA College Day
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Holden Hall
The Hmong American Student Association, or HASA, hosts an annual event known as College Day, bringing prospective Hmong and Asian Pacific Islander Desi American and Asian, or APIDA/A, high school students across the state to MSU to learn about the university, financial aid and life as a resident on campus.
APIDA Family Day
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Wells Hall/STEM
Hosted by Office of Admissions, this event connects incoming first-year students with APIDA faculty, staff, alumni and students. For more information, email Iris Shen-Van Buren.
Sunday, March 19
CSC Lunar New Year Banquet
5:30 to 9:30 p.m. • Cadillac Room, 1115 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
The Chinese-American Student Coalition will host its 27th annual Lunar New Year Banquet to welcome the Year of the Rabbit. The banquet is also a way to celebrate the accomplishments of CSC since the start of the fall semester. Join the waitlist.
Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25
APA Studies Symposium ‘Creating Critical Connections: Building Solidarity within APIDA/A Communities’
4 to 7 p.m. on March 24 • International Center or via Zoom and 8:30 a.m to 5:45 p.m. on March 25
The Asian Pacific American Studies Program Symposium features panels, workshops, research flash talks and free meals while supplies last for in-person attendees. Register for the two-day symposium or register on Zoom to only view Friday’s keynote.
Saturday, April 1
VSA By Night: Tour of Vietnam (Banquet)
5:30 to 9:30 p.m. (doors close at 6:15 p.m.) • Cadillac Room, 1115 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
Clear your schedules and get ready to book a flight to the Vietnamese Student Association’s 7th annual VSA by Night, “Tour of Vietnam!” Tour guides will take you through the various regions of Vietnam during this black-tie evening event. The pre-order registration form is open now and closes on March 27.️Hmong Heritage Month online kickoff
The Hmong communities in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota celebrate Hmong Heritage Month in April. MSU’s Hmong American Student Association, or HASA, will be posting graphics and videos throughout the month on Instagram, Facebook and HASA website celebrating their heritage.
Sunday, April 2
Intersectional Wellness hosted by APASO and Women*s Council
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
Details coming!
Saturday, April 8
PASS Halo-Halo
5 to 9 p.m. • Cadillac Room, 1115 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
The Pilipino American Student Society of MSU, or PASS, is happy to host its annual Halo-Halo. This is a semi-formal event filled with entertainment, food, activities and prizes. This year’s theme is “Magandang Kalooban,” or “the beauty inside us,” which highlights the relationship between the land and its people. As of 2023, the Philippines has been severely affected by environmental changes and pollution in the air and water. To help, PASS will donate to the Centre of Sustainability PH, Inc., an organization that works to protect the Philippines from destruction and exploitation. Tickets to Halo-Halo are available to purchase.
Made in Vietnam: Once Upon a Time
6 to 10 p.m. • International Center, Crossroads Food Court
The Vietnamese Culture Union is hosting a cultural festival event called "Made in Vietnam: Once Upon a Time" that will feature Vietnamese performances, games and authentic food. The event will take participants on a journey back in time to celebrate Vietnamese folktales, origins, values and cultures. Reservations are requested in advance on the Google form by April 4.
Friday, April 14
APIDA Heritage Month Community Dinner
7 to 9:00 p.m. • Bessey Hall, room 105
In honor of APIDA Heritage Month, the planning committee is hosting a community dinner for MSU students on campus. Students are invited to join for a night of community, food and activities. Boxed meals will be provided by registration only. Volunteers are encouraged to fill out the form.
Saturday, April 15
CTRL+A 5th Anniversary Spring Showcase
5 to 9:30 p.m. (doors close at 5 p.m.) • Cadillac Room, 1115 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
The APIDA dance student organization CTRL+A presents its fifth anniversary Spring Showcase. Join the community for a night full of performances, dinner, prizes and celebration. The dress code is semi-formal. Tickets are available now through April 14.
Thursday, April 19
Film screening: Everything Everywhere All At Once
6 to 9 p.m. • Minskoff Pavilion, Multipurpose Room
Join the movie screening and discussion of Everything Everywhere All At Once. The film stars Michelle Yeoh who became the first actress of Southeast Asian descent to win the Academy Award for best actress. The event is brought to MSU by the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities, RCAH Sister Circle and Broad College of Business.
Thursday, April 20
The Roles of Asian Americans in Education Equity
5 to 6:30 p.m. • Erickson, room 133F, or on Zoom
The MSU College of Education DEI Office is hosting the second annual Gunnings-Moton Lecture featuring Oi Yan Poon, associate professor of higher education leadership and director of the Race & Intersectional Studies for Educational Equity Center at Colorado State University. Register for the event on Zoom.