This story will be updated throughout March and April.
Michigan State University recognizes Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, or APIDA, Heritage Month each year to celebrate the group’s diverse identities, histories and cultures. The nationally recognized APIDA Heritage Month is in May when most students are no longer on campus. This year, MSU observes this celebration between March 14 and April 15 while students are still on campus and have the opportunity to connect with each other.
APIDA Heritage Month at MSU will kick off with the festival of colors known as Holi! A panel of APIDA/A speakers (APIDA/A also includes international Asian community members) will discuss celebrating their identity, followed by a catered dinner from Paradise Indian Cuisine. Afterward, participants can celebrate Holi by playfully throwing colored powder. Dates and to-go boxes will be available at the dinner for those observing Ramadan.
Several key events during this year’s APIDA Heritage Month celebration are sponsored by the Vietnamese Student Association and the Pilipino American Student Society. Hosted at Grewal Hall in Lansing, MSU VSA will celebrate the organization’s 35th anniversary with a cultural show themed “In the Limelight,” which will feature food and performances exploring the organization’s history and achievements. MSU PASS proudly presents its annual Philippine culture night, “Halo-Halo.” This annual semiformal event explores and celebrates the unique mixture of both Filipino and American identities.
APIDA Heritage Month events
All events are listed in Eastern time. To add an event, email sileriog@msu.edu.
Thursday, March 13
7 p.m. — Needle Felting: Pokémon Edition with JSA
Join the Japanese Student Association for a fun and creative needle felting Pokémon event! Learn the art of needle felting while making your very own mini Pokémon plush. No prior experience is needed — just bring your enthusiasm! Register here.
Friday, March 14
2 p.m. — APIDA/A Heritage Month Kickoff: Celebrating our APIDA/A Identity and Holi
Join us at the Multicultural Center with a panel of speakers celebrating our APIDA/A identities, followed by a dinner catered from Paradise Indian Cuisine (dates and to-go boxes provided for Ramadan). Afterward, we will celebrate Holi, the festival of colors, by throwing colored powder.
Saturday, March 15
Noon — Holi: Festival of Colors with MSU ISO, Hindu YUVA, UIISA and CIUS
Join the Coalition of Indian Undergraduate Students, Undergraduate International Indian Student Association, Hindu YUVA and Indian Students Organization for a vibrant Holi celebration filled with colors, laughter and joy at the IM East Field!
5 p.m. — Lunar New Year Banquet Presented by MSUCSC
Join Michigan State University’s Chinese-American Student Coalition in celebrating the Lunar New Year with tons of delicious authentic food and amazing performances. The theme this year is based on the “Legend of the White Snake” (白蛇傳), so grab your best clothes and get ready to slide into the new year with CSC! Join the waitlist.
Tuesday, March 18
7 p.m. — Clay Date and Bánh Mì Fundraiser
Join the MSU Vietnamese Student Association to be with community, get crafty with clay and get a taste of Vietnam through its Bánh Mì Fundraiser! Bánh mì pre-order forms are open until March 16; day-of orders will be limited. Preorder here.
Friday, March 21
3 p.m. — Video Games for Learning Japanese
Join the Asian Studies Center at the MSU Main Library for an exciting afternoon exploring how video games can transform language learning, featuring game demos, expert talks and snacks! No prior Japanese or gaming experience needed. See more info on the Asian Studies Center’s Instagram.
6 p.m. — Chef’s Table — Green Dynasty: Plant-Powered Vietnamese Cuisine
Join Eat at State for a special four-course dinner with chefs Dustin and Robert from the River Trail neighborhood. This plant-based chef’s table showcases the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, inspired by a variety of Asian culinary traditions. Enjoy dishes such as golden garden rolls, vegan sour soup and green papaya salad. This special dinner beautifully blends the exotic tastes of East and West, offering a unique culinary experience. Register here.
Saturday, March 22
3 p.m. — “Halo Halo” presented by PASS
The Pilipino American Student Society at Michigan State University proudly presents its annual Philippine Culture Night! This year’s theme is PAG-AHON, translating to “rise” or “ascend.” Join in for a night of cultural food and performances celebrating Pilipino heritage and rising above the waves of struggle. Get tickets.
Monday, March 24
3:30 p.m. — The Politics of Historical Writing on the Vietnam War since the Fall of Saigon
Join the Asian Studies Center in Horticulture Hall Room 255 for a thought-provoking talk by Peter Zinoman, professor of history at the University of California, Berkeley, on the evolving historiography of the Vietnam War. Learn more about the event and speaker on the Asian Studies Center’s Instagram.
7:30 p.m. — A South Indian Affair: Vana with MSU ISO and Deepam
Join MSU Indian Students Organization and Deepam at the MSU Horticulture Gardens for this event. More information coming soon.
Friday, March 28
4 p.m. — APA Studies 2025 Symposium Welcome and Keynote
APA Studies will host keynote speaker Jennifer Ho, in the Multicultural Center 1st floor, who will give a keynote talk about the state of Ethnic Studies. A livestream will be available for those unable to attend in-person. Meals will be provided, and all are welcome to attend. Register here to attend in-person.
Saturday, March 29
9 a.m. — APA Studies 2025 Symposium: Resilience, Coalitions & Solidarities
Join APA Studies for the 2025 Symposium, themed "Resilience, Coalitions & Solidarities," for panels and discussions contemplating APA Studies past, present, and future. Meals will be provided, and all are welcome to attend. Register to attend.
5:30 p.m. — “In the Limelight” or “Trong Ánh Đèn Sân Khấu,” presented by MSU VSA
The MSU Vietnamese Student Association welcomes everyone to commemorate Vietnamese heritage. This year’s culture show is packed with breathtaking performances from VSA general body members, affiliates and guest performers! To complete the experience, an exceptional Vietnamese menu will be provided during the show. Register and learn more.
Monday, March 31
5 p.m. — “Hot Stuff: Exposing Indonesia’s Geothermal Dreams” film screening and discussion
Join the Asian Studies Center and the Graduate Education and Training in Southeast Asian Studies consortium for an eye-opening screening of “Hot Stuff: Exposing Indonesia’s Geothermal Dreams.” Explore the intersection of renewable energy and environmental impact in this thought-provoking documentary. Don’t miss this simulcast screening and discussion coming to the MSU International Center Room 201. Learn more on the GETSEA website.
Friday, April 4
5 p.m. — “Around the World” prom event
The Taiwanese Student Association, Vietnamese Cultural Union, Chinese Undergraduate Student Association, Malaysian Student Association and Alpha Kappa Delta Phi’s MSU Chapter are hosting a formal prom event for a night of DJ music, dancing, singing and fun. Register and learn more about this event.
Friday, April 11
MCASA Spring 2025 Conference early check-in, family group activities and dinner
This optional event gives Midwest Chinese American Student Association Conference attendees the opportunity to do an early check-in and meet family groups through dinner and special activities before the MCASA conference. Learn more and register for the conference.
Saturday, April 12
8:30 a.m. — MCASA Spring 2025 Conference
In collaboration with MSU’s Chinese-American Student Coalition, the Midwest Chinese American Student Association will host its annual spring conference at MSU. The official conference hotel is the Hampton Inn East Lansing. Learn more and register before April 1.
Sunday, April 13
MCASA Spring 2025 Conference optional brunch
This final optional event gives the Midwest Chinese American Student Association attendees opportunity to be with community with a group brunch before the weekend is over. Information for this event will be provided at the conference.
Tuesday, June 17
AIFIS x MSU Conference on Indonesian Studies 2025
The American Institute for Indonesian Studies, in collaboration with the MSU Asian Studies Center, will hold the fifth annual AIFIS-MSU Conference on Indonesian Studies from June 17-21. Celebrating the growing and evolving academic study of Indonesia, the conference aims to expand research dissemination and collaboration by connecting Indonesian scholars with international colleagues in a bilingual and virtual format. Learn more about the virtual conference; registration opens in April.
Michigan State is dedicated to recognizing the diverse cultures and histories of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American people in and outside of education. Students, staff and faculty can find support and resources through various channels at MSU, including the Asian Pacific American Student Organization, APASO affiliate organizations, the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American/Asian Faculty and Staff Association, the Office of Multicultural Enrichment and Advocacy and the Asian Pacific American Studies program.
MSU recognizes APIDA Heritage Month yearly to celebrate the group’s diverse identities, histories and cultures. The Asian Pacific American Student Organization is raising funds for various projects, such as scholarships, mental health initiatives and cultural events that honor and support Spartan students. Learn more.