̨Íåswag

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month is celebrated around the world during the month of May. However, most college campuses, including the University of North Georgia (̨Íåswag), celebrate during April.  

̨Íåswag's Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) office has planned several events to honor the AAPI culture within the ̨Íåswag community. 

Festivities begin on April 4 at ̨Íåswag's Cumming Campus with an AAPI tabling and celebration event. The event will last from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will also occur on the Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses April 10. MSA will be present in the Hoag Patio and the Gainesville Student Center Patio from noon to 1 p.m.  

This year ̨Íåswag will also celebrate Arab American Heritage Month with a virtual keynote on April 17 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. presented by author and public speaker Huda Al-Marashi. 

"MSA's role is to help students feel connected, respected and valued on campus. Part of that is honoring and celebrating various heritage months throughout the year. By doing this, we also provide opportunities to educate the ̨Íåswag community on various cultures that are represented within our community," Dr. Andrew Johnson, MSA director, said. "Arab American Heritage Month is celebrated nationally in April, and this year we are able to connect with amazing speaker Huda Al-Marashi, who will share pieces of her story and will tell the “Story of a Stereotype”." 

MSA will also bring in Dr. Christa Grant for AAPI month keynote on April 23 from noon to 1 p.m on Dahlonega Campus HOAG ABC Rooms and streamed to other campuses. 

Grant serves as the assistant vice chancellor for Inclusive Excellence and Operations at the State University of New York and has over 18 years of experience working in higher education and nonprofit organizations. Her doctoral research focused on creating a sense of belonging for Black, Indigenous and people of color students at predominantly white institutions. 

 The AAPI month celebrations will conclude at the Oconee Campus on April 25 with another tabling and celebration event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Asian Student Association (ASA) president Grace Herr is looking forward to fostering an appreciation for Asian culture at ̨Íåswag during the month of activities. A Buford, Georgia native, Herr is a sophomore pursuing a degree in computer science. She hopes these events will unite her peers. 

"I am excited to bring together the diverse community through ASA events and to meet the amazing people who make up our student body," Herr said.