How do you celebrate the entire range of diverse cultures that may be categorized under one particular ethnic label? The University of Denver’s Asian Student Alliance (ASA) seeks to accomplish just that, while also working to elevate the voices of one of DU’s most marginalized communities. Though the general goal of affinity groups is to create a space for people of similar identities to share ideas and foster community, can one organization include and welcome the wide variety of Asian cultures represented by all Asian students at DU? This has been a point where ASA has strived to excel.
“Our E-Board this year has been very diverse,” Catalina Palacios-Cisneros, treasurer of ASA, said. “We have some people who are just like me, mixed, some people who have different family backgrounds […] and so I think being able to find meaning in the Asian experience, other than something that is very traditional and is different than what is typically thought about has been very beneficial.”
Recently, some University services have supported this aspect of ASA, signaling a welcome growth of ASA’s recognition on campus. On Friday, Jan. 20, ASA held its annual Lunar New Year Celebration. Alicia Chong, a second-year undergraduate student and member of ASA, described how Sodexo Dining continued serving traditional Asian dishes throughout the whole weekend of Lunar New Year.
“[ASA was] holding an event that represented at least most, if not all Asian cultures, and Sodexo came in that Sunday and Monday immediately after and tried to help us, so that really does help out a lot,” Chong said.
Publicity and recognition have historically been a point of struggle with the Asian Student Alliance. Only 3.7% of DU students are of Asian ethnicity, and a good portion of that percentage consists of international students, leaving Asian-American students with an often-overlooked voice on campus. Amplifying ASA’s voice has been a top priority for the group.
“Sometimes it does feel like we… might not be as seen or recognized in the DU community,” ASA President Suhyun Goh said. “It would be very beneficial for a lot of students if they recognized the Asian community.”
In addition to the overarching mission of growing the Alliance and community, ASA is seeking to increase the caliber of their events and the frequency of inter-alliance collaborations. Though not yet set in stone, some exciting events to be on the lookout for in the near future include an Asian Fusion Cooking Class, collaborations with BSA during Black History Month, and a potential Valentine’s Day event with LSA. For updates on future ASA events, be sure to follow the Alliance’s Instagram page.
ASA is also seeking to involve community members in events and event planning at every level. One way this is accomplished is through the A-Crew program. Similar to LSA’s Enlace program, involvement with A-Crew allows members to not only help out with setting up ASA events, but also to gain experience with and a better understanding of the responsibilities of ASA leadership.
Members also gain practical experience in event planning. This year’s A-Crew members are tasked with planning and executing an event for ASA’s week eight meeting. ASA leadership will soon be choosing the next generation of A-Crew members. Community members interested in joining can fill out this form to demonstrate their interest.
These are not the only important positions to be keeping an eye on. ASA is also preparing to hold officer elections for the positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Inter-alliance chair, Historian and Advocacy Chair, Marketing Chair, Logistics and A-Crew Coordinator. Officer positions are open to all ASA members, regardless of year or major.
The next generation of leaders in the DU Asian community will be crucial to shaping the bright future of ASA.
Learn more about ASA on Instagram and CrimsonConnect.
