Welcome reception highly attended

Many say IU is well known for its multicultural atmosphere, and the Asian Culture Center is one of many programs that exemplifies this. Wednesday, more than 100 people gathered on the front lawn and inside the center for a welcoming reception that featured student information tables and an introduction of the staff members. Chinese food catered by China Buffet also created a festive atmosphere.\nThe mood at the reception was friendly, with people of all ages and ethnicities in attendance. Freshman Dahye Kim came with her roommate and said she was interested in joining the Korean Student Association. \n"It's nice to see a lot of other people at this event, because there's a lot of diversity going on, and I can learn more about my culture and where I came from," Kim said.\nThe student information tables set up at the event included many different groups around campus, including the Indonesian Student Association, English Conversation Club, Filipino Student Association, Korean-American Student Association, Lambda Alpha Phi -- an Asian interest fraternity -- and the Asian American Association.\n"A reception like this really helps everyone get together and get to know each other," said Dr. Gloria Gibson, associate vice chancellor for multicultural affairs. "It also helps if you like elaborative thinking and programming."\nIn its third year, the welcome reception draws students of Asian descent as well as people who represent many ethnicities and cultures, as well as faculty and staff members, event organizers said. \n"Too often, students want to join certain organizations but aren't sure of how to get involved or are afraid to do so," said Maysee Yang, graduate assistant of the ACC. "This event allows students to meet each other face to face and build new friendships."\n Collins Living-Learning Center does joint programming with the ACC, and faculty members were also at the welcome reception on Wednesday. Sara Ivey Lucas, a Collins employee who collaborates with the ACC.\n "I came to be supportive of my friends who work here at the ACC and I came to see what their programs are like for the year and get connected with everybody," Ivey Lucas said.\n Melanie Castillo-Cullather, director of the Asian Culture Center, said she sees the organization in general as an educational resource and advocacy center, while also a place for people who want to reconnect or reaffirm their Asian heritage.\n "It is a place for everyone who has an interest in learning the diverse cultures and issues affecting the Asian Pacific Americans in the U.S," Castillo-Cullather said.