About APARC

history

In 2004, a memo was sent to the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences from the Asian American Studies Ad Hoc Committee requesting advisement and academic support for at-risk Asian Pacific American (APA) students. In 2007, possible development paths for the center along with Connecting Communities project were drafted by Dr. Reyes. This project helped outreach to underrepresented APA groups and become partners for institutional grants. A proposal set forth for a new space called the Asian American Pacific Islander Community Resource Center (AAPICRC). Dr. Yee became the chair of the AAPICRC Committee, establishing both a mission and vision for the center. An Open House was held that December and brought over 100 attendees ranging from elected officials, community and university leaders, faculty, staff, and students. Mihaylo Hall designated University Hall  210B/211B for the center, which is now known as Gordon Hall. In 2009, Sonia Velez, Dr. Yee, and Associate Dean Palmerino brought furniture, received $10,000 from an anonymous donor and made a Keyless Entry System a priority for the space. In the same year, Dr. Yee stepped down as chair which put AAPICRC planning on hold. In 2010, AAPI students contacted Dr. Yee to design a student lounge in UH 211B and the proposal was approved by Dr. Yee and the ASAM Faculty. In 2012, Dr. Haddad found funding for the space to provide conference chairs, a projector, office supplies, a television, staffing, as well as acquired book donations. In 2013, the Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC) was established under the department and leadership of Diversity Initiatives and Resource Centers (DIRC). In January 2017, Jacob Chacko was hired as the first full-time coordinator of APARC. In Summer of 2018, the Asian Pacific American Resource Center moved to the Pollak Library - South 180 along with the four community/cultural resource centers under DIRC and since then, has built a foundational space for students, staff, and faculty to connect, engage, and learn internally and externally to the Asian Pacific Islander and Desi-American (APIDA) diaspora.