AAPI Students
Students from the Asian Student Association perform at a Lunar Year event celebration.

CU Denver Presents Asian American Pacific Islander History Month Events

April 18, 2023

Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month is celebrated in the United States in May to recognize the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the country’s history, culture, and society. 

AAPI Month was established in 1978 by Congress to honor the first Japanese immigrants who arrived in the United States on May 7, 1843. The celebration was later expanded to a month-long observance in 1990 by President George H. W. Bush to include the diverse cultures, histories, and traditions of all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. At CU Denver, to allow our community to participate in events before the end of the academic year, we celebrate this throughout April and May.  

This time provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the struggles and challenges faced by AAPI communities and to celebrate their rich cultural heritage and achievements. It allows us to promote inclusion, diversity, and equity, and to recognize the important role that this community has played and continues to play in shaping American society. CU Denver’s largest student affinity group, the Asian Student Association led by president Donna Than, has over 100 members that work to plan culturally, relevant on-campus events.  


Academic Success Leadership Program (ASLP): Telling Our Story  

ASLP members will interview family members to understand their history, culture, and values.  

When: Friday, April 21, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 

Where: Student Commons Building, ACAD Room #2000 


Philippine American Society of Colorado Kamayan  

AAPI Filipino Kamayan: Watch and participate in traditional crafts, arts, and dances, and eat lots of Filipino food.  

When: Tuesday, April 25, 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 

Where: Tivoli Turnhalle, Room 320 


Vietnamese Student Association General Meeting and End-of-Semester Get-Together  

Food, fun, and games.  

When: Thursday, April 27, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 

Where: Student Commons Building, ACAD Room #2500 


Asian Student Association General Meeting and End-of-Semester Get-Together  

Food, fun, and games.  

When: Thursday, May 11, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

Where: North Classroom Building, Room #1130 


CU Denver Asian American and Pacific Islander Alumni Networking  

When: Thursday, May 4, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. 

Where: Tivoli Annex, Room #439 


CU Denver Advancement Alumni Awards Dinner 

Networking and recognition of outstanding CU Denver alumni.  

When: Thursday, May 4, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Where: Tivoli Turnhalle 


Academic Success Leadership Program and Asian Culture Clubs Awards Luncheon  

Join us for a light lunch and awards to honor inaugural ASLP members, student leaders, and mentors.  

When: Friday, May 5, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  

Where: Student Commons Building, ACAD Room #2504