1996 - 2016
Our Legacy A Yearsbook
The Call
For Representation
Letter from the first director, Faye Hunt, to the FSU Student Body requesting support for the founding of ASU
The Asian American Student Union (AASU) serves
general student body, as well as celebrate the diverse
as a space for Asian Americans and those interested
backgrounds of our members. AASU has catalyzed
in Asian American issues to find a place where they
the development of leaders in the Asian American
belong. Through cultural, educational, and social events,
community on campus through both our own as well
we aim to spread awareness of our heritage to the
as our affiliates’ programming.
Who We Are Our theme for the 2015-16 school year, AASU’s 20th
and bonds forged, the memories created, and the impact
year, is “Our Legacy.” A legacy is a gift passed down by
that each member has contributed to the growth of the
our predecessors. The legacy of AASU consists of more
Asian American community as a whole is what creates a
than just the tangible workshops, events, and programs
lasting impression for future generations. AASU is a gift
that we and our affiliates hold every year. The friendships
given to us by the members before us. AASU is our legacy.
1996 • Founding Year
AASU was founded in 1996 as the Asian Student Union (ASU) at Florida State University by Faye Hunt and Rich Sealy. ASU was created to unite the Asian organizations already on campus to enhance communication and cohesion between them while allowing them each to remain individual, autonomous organizations. ASU wished to increase awareness about the existence and voice of Asian students on campus as a whole by holding cultural events, a heritage month, and more in order to invite the general student body to learn more about Asian culture.
2006 • Switch from ASU to AASU In 2006, the executive board, led by Director Zach Heng, decided to rebrand the Asian Student Union as the Asian American Student Union. This switch was a move to be more inclusive and to better reflect the student population at FSU. Whereas ASU was geared specifically towards Asian students, AASU opened the organization up to students interested in Asian culture in general. This major transition affected how A(A)SU was viewed as an “My most notable accomplishment was spearheading the re-branding efforts in 2007 to what is now the AASU. It’s amazing to see how the organization has evolved over the years” —Zach Heng, Director, 2006-07
organization on campus. Asian Americans are often considered foreigners, not truly American. Changing ASU to AASU helped address the fact that we are both Asian and American--it combined our ancestral heritage with our American one.
2008 • AAMP’D and Mr. and Miss AASU
AASU Members posing with the 2013 Pageant Contestants at a general body meeting
Kevin Sison, Mr. AASU 2013, Richard Wu, Mr. AASU 2014, Christina Go, Ms. AASU 2014, and Viji Rajaratnam, Ms. AASU 2015
AAMP’D: The Asian American Music, Poetry and
Mr. and Miss AASU: Also formed in 2008, the AASU
Dance Concert was created in 2008. Featuring both
Pageant began as a scholarship program featuring
famous Asian American performers, as well as our
hardworking and motivated students who competed to
own talented students, this annual concert displays
become the next year’s faces for AASU. Today, it is a cultural
and celebrates the many successful Asian Americans
showcase that highlights an assortment of traditional
in the arts and entertainment industry.
Asian performances and fashion, while encouraging contestants to delve further into understanding and participating in the Asian American community.
4 • Asian American Student Union - 20th Anniversary Years Book
Highlights of A(A)SU
History
2014 • AASU Bazaar The affiliates voiced their desire to collaborate on an
was an overwhelming success that connected the FSU
event with AASU. In November 2014, AASU co-hosted
community to AASU’s members, and signified a greater
its first annual “This Is How We Roll” event with a variety
collective effort and unity between the affiliates and
of affiliates including: FSA, KASA, ISA, CLCA, JSA, BSA,
the AASU family!
NSA, and Sigma Beta Rho Fraternity, Inc. This event
National Involvement
The East Coast Asian American Student Union
The Florida Asian American Student Union (FAASU)
(ECASSU) hosts the largest and oldest Asian American
is a coalition of Asian American interest organization
conference in the nation every year. ECAASU’s mission
throughout the state of Florida whose mission statement
is to inspire, educate and empower those interested in
is to advocate for AAPIs within the Florida student setting
AAPI (Asian American/Pacific Islander) issues. In 2013,
through empowerment, education, and community
Florida State University started sending students to the
building. As of the 2015-2016 the FAASU network consists
conference to help our students address social issues
of FSU, UCF, UF, FIU, FAU, USF, and UNF. Talks of creating
facing Asian Americans. AASU members can attend
a unified coalition between the schools started in 2013
workshops on Asian American identity, politics, culture,
with a small meetup at the University of Central Florida.
and a plethora of other topics. Since then, there has
Between the times of Fall 2014 to Fall 2015, FAASU was
been a steady growth of students attending ECAASU
officially established.
every year which is building a stronger community of campus Asian American activists. Asian American Student Union - 20th Anniversary Years Book • 5
Asian American
Activism
Amidst controversies over minority marginalization, cultural appropriation, police brutality, and presidential candidacies, AASU has decided to contribute to the dialogue of the growing racial and social tensions in the United States and the Florida State campus.
Defining Asian American Issues In 2013-2014, AASU hosted the ‘4 words seminars’ which focused on the idea that identifying as ‘Asian American/Pacific Islander’ shouldn’t limit us to the constraints of societal stereotypes and pressures. •
Barriers - Discrimination that Asian American endured throughout history
•
Perception - Asian Americans Depicted in Pop Cultures
•
Preservation - Prevalence of Cultural Appropriation
•
Apathy - How to overcome Apathy in Asian American communities
Solidarity with other Communities: Rush Hour Speed Friending AASU co-hosted a speed friending event with the Black Student Union (BSU) in which members of both student agencies could interact and meet each other. After the “Rush Hour” of friending was complete, a discussion was held concerning the controversial issues that affect both communities, Trayvon Martin and Vincent Chin court cases, and members shared their thoughts about being minorities in American society.
Asian Americans Policy Issues AASU hosted an event called “Do All Students Count?” which talked about the The All Students Count Act which a bill from Congressmember Mike Honda in 2014 that would require State Education Agencies (State Departments of Education) to report disaggregated data at the K-12 levels for their annual state report cards based on the 2010 Census.
Stepping Out to Advocate with Other Minority Groups AASU also participated in an open dialogue discussion held after reports of racist hazing incidents arose in the news. AASU thereafter established a goal to not only fight for their own Asian American rights and speak out against their own experiences of marginalization, but also to be cognizant of the social justice issues that other identities outside of our community face.
6 • Asian American Student Union - 20th Anniversary Years Book
Signature Fall
Programming General Body Meeting To welcome the students to AASU, the Grand General Body Meeting (GBM) provides information about upcoming programs and events for the semester. It is the first introduction to incoming students about what the organization does.
Tailgate A major part of the college experience are football games and tailgating. AASU holds their annual tailgate to strengthen bonds between members through fun activities such as tug-of-war, balloon fights, and cook outs.
Heritage Week Heritage Week is dedicated to celebrating different facets of the Asian American identity in the Fall, hosting events such as the Fall Formal and Movie Night at the SLC. The Social is a semi-formal event highlighting graduating seniors, giving them the opportunity to say their farewells. Films featuring Asian casts are shown at the SLC, increasing representation in movies. Such films include Big Hero 6, Joy Luck Club and Tale of Two Sisters. The purpose of theses events is to foster a greater sense of community among our members.
Nhu, 2016 2015 Lunar Banquet Lion Dance Troupe
2016 Lunar Banquet Fan Dance Saigon Gold Dance Performance, 2013
Crystal Zhang playing guzheng instrument, 2015
AASU 201516 E-board performance
2015 Lunar Banquet Indak
Chinese Lion Dance Troupe, 2016
Lunar Banquet is AASU’s annual celebration of the Lunar
is provided by students and other community members,
New Year, which is a holiday observed by various East
as well as dinner and the ever-popular photo booth. To
Asian cultures. Created as a way to celebrate the holiday
better serve the community, in 2015 AASU included a
away from home, Lunar Banquet has since evolved from
canned food drive with all proceeds going to the FSU
its humble beginnings to a premier event with an ever
Food Pantry. Months of preparation are put into running
increasing attendance. While primarily a social event,
Lunar Banquet, as it requires extensive support from
it also aims to share the traditions and practices of
its many dedicated volunteers.
different Asian cultures. At the banquet, entertainment
Asian American Student Union - 20th Anniversary Years Book • 9
Month Speaker: We invite various well known guests to speak to our organization about their experiences as Asian Americans and their take on various social issues. Previous speakers have included 2014 Miss America Winner Nina Davuluri, Pulitzer Prize Winner Jose Antonio Vargas, and American Actress Amy Hill.
Asian American Mr. & Miss
2010 - Denise Correll
2012 - Paolo Carcamo and Anna Polito
2010 - Vincent Osbourne
2011 - Jonathan Tabo
2011 - Nhung Ho
AASU
winners
2013 - Gillian Wu
2013 - Kevin Sison
2014 - Christina Go
Mr and Miss AASU: Through the semester long preparation for the event, contestants develop a better sense of self through introspection and reflecting on what is most important to them and how to best represent AASU. The winners of Mr. and Miss AASU will ultimately become one of the faces for our organization for
2014 - Richard Wu
2015 - Viji Rajaratnam
2016 - Joe Cary
2016 - Tejika Baweja
the next year.
Asian American Poetry and Dance: In efforts to express the more creative side that Asian Americans aren’t normally associated with, AAMP’D was the perfect way to break boundaries and showcase Asian American pop culture.
Heritage Month Asian American Heritage Month (AAHM) is nationally held during the month of May. However, as the typical academic year at FSU ends very early in May, AASU observes heritage month from Mid-March to MidApril. During AAHM, AASU and its affiliates host multiple social, cultural and educational events in efforts to celebrate our heritage.
Awards
Awards: To close Heritage Month we recognize the achievements and contributions of our affiliates and members. Some awards include Affiliate of the Year, Asian American Advocate, Member of the Year, and President of the Year.
Asian American Student Union - 20th Anniversary Years Book • 11
AASU Programs Lion Dance Troupe A staple at many cultural events, the Lion Dance Troupe, a fan favorite, learns traditionaal choreography accompanied by drums to provide audiences with an authentic Chinese performance.
Homecoming Each year, AASU participates in FSU’s homecoming parade. The countless hours pomping brings our members together for a collective project which is Fan Dance
to create a float that represents our organization
Established Fall 2015, AASU’s Fan Dance troupe has
and its affiliates. Participating in Homecoming
gained popularity by performing traditional dances
allows AASU to showcase the diversity within our
with fans at various events, including Mid-Autumn
organization and represents the Asian American
Festival, Diwali, and Lunar Banquet.
community on campus.
Leadership Exploration and Development (LEAD) Founded in 2012-2013 by Eric Cheung,, AASU has created a program to train aspiring leaders in the Asian American community. Formally named VIP (Volunteer Involvement Program) was revamped in 2015-2016 to be called LEAD to better reflect the purpose of the program. Participants develop leadership abilities through shadowing the executive board, as well as attending teamwork and leadership workshops. Near the end of the academic year, LEAD plans and executes an event showcasing the skills they’ve cultivated.
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Affiliates Affiliates are what make AASU greater than the sum of its parts. There are currently 11 registered student organizations that are affiliates of AASU.
aKDPhi alpha Kappa Delta Phi International Sorority, Inc.
Bsa Bangladeshi Student Association Joined AASU in 2014
CLCA Chinese Language and Culture Association
FSA
Filipino Student Association Formerly known as Filipino American Student Association (FASA)
HEAL
Health Educated Asian Leaders Joined AASU in 2015
JLCA Japanese Language and Culture Association Formerly known as Japanese Student Association (JSA)
KASA Korean American Student Association Formerly known as Korean Undergraduate Student Association (KUSA)
Nsa-FSU Nepalese Student Association Joined AASU in 2014
SigRho
Sigma Beta Rho Fraternity, Inc.
vsa Vietnamese Student Association
Isa
Indian Student Association Joined AASU in 2010
Asian American Student Union - 20th Anniversary Years Book • 13
Highlighted Affiliate events
KASA, VSA, and CLCA: Mid Autumn Festival
FSA: Parol Ball
FSA: Barrio
JSA: Japanese Festival
ISA: Holi
14 • Asian American Student Union - 20th Anniversary Years Book
Sig Rho: Tailgate
BSA: International Mother’s Day
VSA: Pho King
VSA: Tally By Night
KASA: Liberty in North Korea (LiNK)
ISA: Diwali
aKDPhi: Breast Cancer Awareness
CLCA: New Year’s Gala
aKDPhi: Formal Asian American Student Union - 20th Anniversary Years Book • 15
aasu executive-boards 1996—2016
“I was able to cultivate relationships with people from all over campus and spread knowledge about the diverse and unique Asian American culture. And for all that and so much more, I am forever grateful for the Asian American Student Union and Florida State University.” —Katrina Pitt, Director, 2014-15
“I’m proud to see AASU thriving in a direction that sheds more light on AAPI issues. During my year as Director from 2012-2013, it was my goal to steer the organization more towards advocating and educating FSU primarily on AAPI issues, and to give our affiliates more authority to cover cultural awareness topics.” —Maryann Mina, Director, 2012-13
“AASU introduced me to so many great individuals and friends in the time I didn’t know anyone. As Director, my favorite part of my job was sitting down next to new members and getting to know them. Over these past 20 years, AASU has been more than just an student agency, it’s a home away from home.” —Seve Kim, Director, 2013-14
1st Executive Board of 1996- 1997 Faye Hunt.................................Director Rich Sealy.................................Assistant Director Karin Truong...........................Treasurer Kerry Chen / Jenny Dilbert ..........................Public Relations 2nd Executive Board of 1997-1998 Faye Hunt.................................Director Rich Sealy.................................Assistant Director Karin Truong...........................Treasurer Kerry Chen / Jenny Dilbert............................Public Relations 3rd Executive Board of 1998- 1999 Karin Truong...........................Director Marianne Suyat / Catherine Sui..........................Historian 4th Executive Board of 1999- 2000 Karin Truong...........................Director Jennie Lai..................................Assistant Director Catherine Sui..........................Treasurer Susan Ting...............................Secretary Emi Watanabe.......................Activities Coordinator Maves Ranola.........................Public Relations Rizcion Dagani........................Historian 5th Executive Board of 2000 - 2 001 Emi Watanabe.......................Director Quay Hu...................................Assistant Director Kelly Markin.............................Treasurer Rizcion Dagani........................Secretary Krystle Tabangcura..............Activities Coordinator John Yun...................................Public Relations Chantal Lie...............................Historian 6th Executive Board of 2001- 2002 Emi Watanabe.......................Director Rizcion Dagani........................Assistant Director Beau Labez-Tapang.............Treasurer Gillian Lie..................................Secretary Hellen Joy Gallego.................Activities Coordinator Carolle Taylor..........................Public Relations 7th Executive Board of 2002- 2003 Rizcion Dagani........................Director Beau Labez-Tapang.............Assistant Director Alan Truoung..........................Treasurer Mary Turner............................Secretary Krystle Tabangcura / Robert Lees.............................Activities Coordinator Carolle Taylor / Chantal Lie...............................Public Relations Jade Lim...................................Historian Alex Ng......................................Webmaster
16 • Asian American Student Union - 20th Anniversary Years Book
8th Executive Board of 2003- 2004 Alan Truong.............................Director Stephanie Samera................Assistant Director Muh-yu Lee.............................Treasurer Tiffany Xaychaleune.............Secretary David Huang...........................Public Relations Gretchen Cenese..................Assistant PR Ricky Patel................................Activities Coordinator Khounprasa Xayachack......Activities Coordinator Ledvi Beza................................Historian Alex Ng......................................Webmaster 9th Executive Board of 2004- 2005 Muh-Yu Lee.............................Director Monica Leonido Patterson.....Asst. Director David Huang...........................Treasurer Ledvi Beza................................Secretary Michael Stevens.....................Historian Ricky Patel / John Khounprasa Xayacheck...Public Relations Taff Liao....................................Event Coordinator 10th Executive Board of 2005 - 2 006 Elizabeth Rodriguez..............Director Angela Morrison....................Asst. Director Zach Heng................................Treasurer Olivia Garcia............................Secretary Public Relations...................... Jonathon Diocares Aldrin Enriquez.......................Historian 11th Executive Board of 2006 - 2 007 Zach Heng................................Director James Dungca........................Asst. Director Vicky Ho....................................Treasurer Anh Chau.................................Secretary Christine Fancher (formerly Christine de Jesus)....................................Co-Activities Coordinator Nikki Velasquez......................Co-Activities Coordinator Celia Leon.................................Public Relations Ti Dinh.......................................Historian Ami Song..................................Community Service/Outreach 12th Executive Board of 2007-2008 Nikki Velasquez......................Director Anh Chau.................................Assistant Director Ian Johnson.............................Public Relations
AASU Directors of 2009-2014: Seve Kim, Maryann Mina, Andy Silhanek, Sean Viray, Vu Thai 13th Executive Board of 2008-2009 Ian Johnson.............................Director Rochelle Lo..............................Assistant Director (resigned) Rachel Buenconsejo............Assistant Director James Cheung . .....................Treasurer Denise Correll.........................Secretary Nathan Crock.........................Activities Coordinator Vu Thai......................................Public Relations Andy Silhanek.........................Public Relations Dana Kwiatkowski................Pageant Chair Lualhati Johnson....................Community Service Chair Nikki Velazquez......................Student Advisor 14th Executive Board of 2009-2010 Vu Thai......................................Director Nathan Crock.........................Assistant Director Katie Cowan............................Secretary Robert Lam.............................Treasurer Pakapol Laosri........................Programming Johnathan Tabo.....................Programming Angela Souvannara..............Public Relations Alexa Aquino...........................Public Relations Sean Viray................................Public Relations Leeia Forrester.......................Community Service Alex Prieto................................Newsletter Stephanie Angulo.................Ambassador Shohei Seyama......................Ambassador Chantel Ma..............................Ambassador Amadae Arevalo....................Special Events 15th Executive Board of 2010-2011 Sean Viray................................Director Andy Silhanek.........................Assistant Director James Cheung........................Treasurer Katie Cowan............................Secretary Angela Souvannara..............Public Relations, Lead Eric Mizuha..............................Public Relations, Media (resigned) Vu Thai......................................Public Relations, Design Luke Daniels............................Activities, Lead Lucy Caballero........................Activities, Fundraising Barry Ellis..................................Activities, Community Service Khelsea Rantanen................Historian (resigned) Elisa Sung.................................Historian Kenny Liu..................................Ambassador, Internal Jackie Dizon.............................Ambassador, External
16th Executive Board of 2011 -2012 Andy Silhanek.........................Director James Cheung........................Assistant Director Christina Duong....................Treasurer Marquel Nakashima............Secretary Seve Kim...................................Activities Coordinator Katie Li.......................................Co-Activities Coordinator Marsha Toi-GB.......................External Ambassador Maryann Mina.......................Internal Ambassador 17th Executive Board of 2012- 2013 Maryann Mina.......................Director Eric Cheung.............................Assistant Director Christina Duong....................Treasurer Katie Li.......................................Secretary Marquel Nakashima (Fall 2012) / Milagros Salcedo...................Activities Coordinator Seve Kim...................................Internal Public Relations Joel Botardo.............................External Public Relations Junaid Raja...............................Internal Ambassador Shashank Golla......................External Ambassador Jed Deligero / JeeSoo Park.............................Scholarship Chair Ischa Fuentes (Fall 2012).....Historian 18th Executive Board of 2013-2014 Seve Kim...................................Director Katrina Pitt...............................Assistant Director Milagros Salcedo...................Treasurer Danielle Agraviador..............Secretary Kathryn Quintin.....................Public Relations Coordinator Anjali Talwar............................Programming Coordinator 19th Executive Board of 2014-2015 Katrina Pitt...............................Director Kathryn Quintin.....................Assistant Director Victor Tang...............................Treasurer Manitra Chavanamest........Secretary Emily Wong.............................Programming Coordinator 20th Executive Board of 2015-2016 Kathryn Quintin.....................Director Manitra Chavanamest........Assistant Director Ashlin Thomas.......................Treasurer Christine Soonhee Hwang....Secretary Shania Stubbs........................Public Relations Cassandra Au.........................Programming Coordinator Kacey Johnson........................Education Chair
“One of my favorite memories with AASU happened at the Winter General Body Meeting we held my second year of school. During the meeting, the Executive Board members surprised me with cake to celebrate my birthday. I remember my friends screaming my name, and then the entire crowd sang to me as I walked on stage. It made me so happy that my peers and friends had gone out of their way to show they loved me. That moment is a really strong representation of what my time with AASU was like. Not only was it rewarding to be work in an organization that embraced my culture, but the people around you slowly become your family away from home.” —Katie Li, Secretary, 2012-13
“My one favorite event would probably be between bringing Wong Fu Productions in 2012, as well as helping turn The Globe into a haunted house with all of the affiliates in 2011 during our Halloween event.” —Andy Silhanek, Director, 2011-12
*Disclaimer: There are some years where we have incomplete information. We have provided this information to the best of our knowledge, and would like to extend our appreciation to these unknown and unrecognized leaders who have led us to be the organization we are today.
Asian American Student Union - 20th Anniversary Years Book • 17
what is
Have your friends sign and leave your memories here!
. S . G . A H. -2016
d 2015 r a o B e iv t u c —AASU Exe
Acknowledgements We would like to acknowledge the alumni, our affiliates, current students, and SGA for providing information and photos throughout this project. Special thanks to Tony Nguyen at Student Publications for designing this wonderful yearbook. Student Government Association Yearsbook Committee Co-Chairs: Christine Hwang Deanna Bousalis Members: Rosalyn Chen Tiffany Reyes Lindsey Reyes Lauren Marian Joe Cary Elaine Ignacio AASU 2015-16 E-Board Kathryn Quintin Manitra Chavanamest Ashlin Thomas Christine Soonhee Hwang Shania Stubbs Cassandra Au Kacey Johnson
AASU Advisor Carolyn Harris Graphic Designer Tony Nguyen