Asian Culture Center event welcomes hundreds

Lisa Yang is one of the many freshmen at IU looking for a place to fit in. When Lang, a Chinese student, attended the Asian Culture Center’s annual welcome back reception on Friday, she said she was hoping to find “home.”

Somewhere among the crowds of students and waving flags of various Asian nations, she said she had done just that. The welcome back reception began at 5 p.m. on the lawn of the Asian Culture Center under cloudy, sprinkling skies. Luckily it never rained, and the event drew more than 200 students, some new and some returning.

When the students entered the lawn, they were greeted by representatives from IU’s various Asian student groups, 16 of which were there with booths showcasing their organization and eager to invite new members on board.

Melanie Castillo-Cullather, director of the ACC, said the organizations gain a lot of new members at the event.

“It’s their way of telling the new students that we’re here and these are the things that we offer,” she said.

Sophomore Jennifer Chen, president of the IU Asian American Association stood in front of the AAA’s table and said she was trying to introduce people to the organization and its yearly events.

“Usually this is for the freshmen that come so they know what type of organizations are on campus that are Asian-oriented,” Chen said.

Junior Patrick Kirby stood on top of a chair at the Filipino Student Association table waving the Philippines flag.

Many of the organizations present had small souvenirs at their tables from the countries they represented. The Taiwanese Student Association handed out travel information and maps of Taiwan.

“Primarily we want to increase the exposure of Taiwan,” said Tao Chun Cheng, president of the Taiwanese Student Association.

Also present was Kappa Gamma Delta, an IU Asian interest sorority. Freshman Haeun Kang, a Korean student, said she had no idea the sorority existed and planned on becoming involved. Kang also said the welcome back reception helped Asian students feel more comfortable on campus.

“Having the ACC helps us to boost our confidence,” she said.

Castillo-Cullather said the event was a hit.

“The turnout was amazing,” she said. “The number grows and grows each year.”

Free food was available from restaurants including Esan Thai and China Buffet, and at the end of the event Castillo-Cullather announced raffle winners. Several students won prizes from countries like Japan and Indonesia. 

By the end of the evening, Yang was at one of the booths talking to a representative and laughing with her friends. Lang smiled.

“I found home,” she said.