This story will be updated in March and April.
MSU recognizes Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, or APIDA, as Heritage Month each March and April to increase visibility and awareness of the group’s multicultural diversity.
APIDA Heritage Month 2023 events are coordinated by the Asian Pacific American Student Organization (APASO), the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American/Asian Faculty and Staff Association (APIDA/AFSA), and the Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions (OCAT).
APIDA Heritage Month campus events
Friday March 17th
APIDA Heritage Month Community Dinner
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. • Erickson Hall Kiva
Meet other MSU students at a community dinner in honor of APIDA Heritage Month and enjoy an evening of fellowship, food, and activities. Packed meals are only available upon reservation. Students interested in helping distribute food are encouraged to volunteer.
Saturday March 18th
HASA College Day
9:00 am to 4:00 pm • Holden Hall
The Hmong American Student Association, or HASA, hosts an annual event called College Day that brings prospective Hmong and Asian Pacific Islander, Desi American and Asian, or APIDA/A, high school students from across the state to MSU to learn about the University and the finances to learn help and life as residents on campus.
APIDA family day
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. • Wells Hall/STEM
Hosted by the Office of Admissions, this event connects incoming freshmen with APIDA faculty, staff, alumni and students. For more information, email Iris Shen-Van Buren.
Sunday March 19th
CSC Lunar New Year Banquet
5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. • Cadillac Room, 1115 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
The Sino-American Student Coalition will hold its 27th annual Lunar New Year Banquet to welcome the Year of the Rabbit. The banquet is also a way to celebrate CSC’s achievements since the beginning of the fall semester. Join the waiting list.
Friday March 24th and Saturday March 25th
APA Studies Symposium “Creating Critical Connections: Building Solidarity within APIDA/A Communities”
4pm to 7pm on March 24 • International Center or via Zoom and 8:30am to 5:45pm on March 25
The Asian Pacific American Studies Program Symposium features panel discussions, workshops, research lectures, and complimentary meals for in-person attendees while supplies last. Register for the two-day symposium or register with Zoom to see Friday’s keynote only.
Saturday April 1st
VSA By Night: Vietnam Tour (Banquet)
5:30 p.m. 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 Vietnam Student Association’s 7th Annual VSA by Night Tour of Vietnam! Tour guides will guide you through the different regions of Vietnam during this celebratory evening event. The registration form for pre-orders is now open and closes on March 27th
Hmong Heritage Month kick off online
Hmong communities in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota celebrate Hmong Heritage Month in April. MSU’s Hmong American Student Association (HASA) will be posting graphics and videos on Instagram, Facebook, and the HASA website throughout the month to celebrate their legacy.
Sunday April 2nd
Intersectional Wellness hosted by APASO and Women*s Council
10:00 am to 3:00 pm • Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
Details are coming!
Saturday, April 8th
PASS Halo Halo
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. • Cadillac Room, 1115 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
The Pilipino American Student Society of MSU, or PASS, is proud to host its annual Halo-Halo. This is a semi-formal event packed with entertainment, food, activities and prizes. This year’s theme is ‘Magandang Kalooban’ or ‘the beauty within us’ which highlights the relationship between the country and its people. Since 2023, the Philippines has been severely affected by environmental changes and air and water pollution. To help, PASS donates to the Center of Sustainability PH, Inc., an organization dedicated to protecting the Philippines from destruction and exploitation. Tickets for Halo-Halo can be purchased.
Friday, April 14th
APIDA Heritage Month Community Dinner
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. • Bessey Hall, Room 105
Meet other MSU students at a community dinner in honor of APIDA Heritage Month and enjoy an evening of fellowship, food, and activities. Packed meals are only available upon reservation. Students interested in helping distribute food are encouraged to volunteer.
Saturday, April 15th
CTRL+A Spring 5th Anniversary Show
5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (doors close at 5:00 p.m.) • Cadillac Room, 1115 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
The APIDA dance student organization CTRL+A presents their five-year Spring Showcase. Join the community for a night of performances, dinners, awards and celebrations. The dress code is semi-formal. Tickets are available now through April 14th.
Saturday, April 22nd
APIDA Heritage Month Banquet Celebration hosted by APASO and the APIDA HM Planning Committee
5-7 p.m. • The Graduate Hotel, 133 Evergreen Ave., East Lansing
APASO and the APIDA Planning Committee invite you to honor and celebrate APIDA Heritage Month to complete recognitions with the community, student organizations and alumni. Register to attend the event. In order to be recognized, graduates must fill out the form.
