Asian and Pacific Islander students now have a place to gather and find additional support and resources with the establishment of the Asian Heritage Cultural Center, one of four centers that support diversity, equity and inclusion goals at the state’s coastal university.
The Asian Heritage Cultural Center is an inclusive space that supports students' engagement, facilitates their connections across campus and in the community. It also provides co-curricular educational programming that enriches the understanding of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures and histories. The center’s programs and mentorships are designed to strengthen cross-cultural relationships and provide opportunities for all students to learn more about Asian and Pacific Islander cultures.
“The center provides an inclusive and welcoming space for our UNCW students to come together to share ideas, stories, and work collaboratively on a wide array of projects,” said Interim Director Patti Schulz.
Members of the Asian Student Association petitioned and advocated for the space and worked with the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion in its planning and opening.
"It means a great deal for the center to finally be opened and be a valuable resource to the students," said Brienna Rafferty, president of the Asian Student Association. "We strived to create a place where students of Asian heritage or students who wanted to learn more about Asian culture could come and interact in a safe space. We hope the center can provide a welcoming, inclusive and positive environment for all who come through the doors."
Dr. Donyell Roseboro, the university's chief diversity officer, said she was honored to collaborate with the Asian Student Association to bring the center to fruition.
"We are hopeful that it will serve as a critical space of dialogue and support, where students, faculty, staff and community members can learn together," Dr. Rosesboro said. "We are fortunate to have a brilliant and dedicated interim director in Patti Schulz."
The Asian Heritage Cultural Center joins OIDI’s other centers – Centro Hispano, the Mohin-Scholz LGBTQIA Resource Center and the Upperman African American Cultural Center. The AHCC is located in Fisher University Union.
--Venita Jenkins
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