Celebrating APIMEDA History & Culture

We honor the diverse cultures of Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern and Desi Americans (APIMEDA) on TU’s campus and beyond.

Many People. Many Cultures.

The APIMEDA diaspora comprises nearly 100 countries from North Africa to Asia and the islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. The term expands traditional AAPI affinity groupings to be more inclusive of Middle Eastern and Desi Americans. We recognize the broad experiences and contributions of these distinct ethnicities and cultures, and celebrate the many ways APIMEDA community members make TU more vibrant.

APIMEDA map
The APIMEDA community comprises nearly 100 countries from North Africa to Asia.

 

What We’re Up To

Candice Zhu

Leading digital transformation

Candice Zhu '11 began coding at age 9. Now, she’s using technology to improve libraries and transportation.

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Cris Packard and Kari Schumm

Finding joy in sport

Pickleball is the country’s fastest-growing sport for a reason. Members of the Asian Faculty & Staff Association know why.

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Chris Truong

Giving Life-affirming Care

Chris Truong is helping students, faculty and staff embrace the power of neurodiversity to bring their most authentic selves to the table.

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APIMEDA Resources

Atika Syed

APIMEDA Coordinator

Atika develops programming and activities to build community and create dialogue around issues relevant to APIMEDA communities. She also helps connect students with resources to build a sense of belonging and enhance academic success. Atika aims to offer TU’s APIMEDA community the support system she needed when she was in college.

Read Her Story
Atika Syed

Solidarity and Support

All Tigers deserve to live in an environment where they can feel safe and thrive. We condemn hate speech and racist behavior of any kind.

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Building Coalitions and Communities

Sidd Kaza

Leading TU’s Research Evolution

As TU’s inaugural associate provost for research and dean of graduate studies, Sidd Kaza is bringing TU’s vision for transformative research to life, inspiring faculty and students to create knowledge for the public good.

Q&A With Sidd Kaza
Yu-Ling Shao

Empowering Healthier Habits

Director of Student Health Services Yu-Ling Shao is developing new programs and partnerships—as well as strengthening existing ones—to educate and empower  all TU students to achieve long-term health, wellness and life satisfaction.

Q&A with Yu-Ling Shao
Sel Hwahng

Combatting Imposter Syndrome

Professor Sel Hwahng is sharing strategies for minimizing self-doubt to live, lead effectively.

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Connecting Through Art

The Asian Arts and Culture Center

The Asian Arts and Culture Center (AAandCC) opened its doors in 1971, showcasing Asian stories, arts and culture to challenge stereotypes and strengthen cultural understanding amid the Vietnam War. AAandCC hosts year-round programs, exhibitions and events that offer unique perspectives on the human experience. 

Programs and exhibitions History of AAandCC
AACC performance

Experts and Advocates

Ming Tomayko

Ming Tomayko

The associate dean for teaching and student success is developing initiatives to enhance science and math education.

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Arundhati Rao

Arundhati Rao

The appointee to the Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism employs her personal history of philanthropy to inspire others to give back.

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Liyan Song

Liyan Song

The 2023 Board of Regents Faculty Award nominee for mentorship is giving students the tools to create effective curricula.

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By the Numbers

Statistics based on federal reporting guidelines as of fall 2023.

1,290

TU students identify as Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.

228

TU faculty and staff members identify as Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.

10+

APIMEDA affinity groups on TU’s campus

TU celebrates and recognizes the cultural identities and lived experiences of its community members.

We see you.

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