Asian Culture Center to welcome new members

The Asian Culture Center will open its doors to students today for its ninth annual welcome reception and an afternoon of free Asian food, entertainment, cultural demonstrations and information about the center.\nAsian student leaders and representatives from support offices and departments will set up information tables and talk with students about their services, said ACC director Melanie Castillo-Cullather. The ACC expects more than 100 people to attend the reception, located at 807 E. 10th St.\n"The welcome reception will allow us to introduce our center and the kinds of activities we do," Castillo-Cullather said. "We hope that those who come will leave with an e-mail address of a new friend or have learned something about the ACC."\nThe ACC is connected with 24 Asian student groups on campus and is open to students regardless of their race or heritage. The center hosts frequent small discussion groups throughout the year, in which an average of 15 to 20 people attend. The bimonthly "Who are Asian-Pacific Americans?" discussion series reviews issues and concerns in the Asian-Pacific American community. The next discussion is noon Sept. 15 at the ACC. \nDuring the monthly meeting "Over a Cup of Tea," students have the opportunity to talk to IU professors and grad students who have recently conducted research in Asia. This month's topic is "When Ho Lee: Free at Last" and is 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at the ACC.\nThe ACC usually works with an Asian student group on campus to put together a culinary demonstration where attendees can learn how to make unique fare from a different country each month. At 5 p.m. Sept. 29 at the ACC lounge, food fanatics can taste a dish from Singapore.\n"I think it's always good for students to check out an organization that they'd like to be part of," Castillo-Cullather said. "Usually the question in their minds is whether this place is a good fit. Our hope is that they find the center a comfortable place for learning and meeting new friends"