Spring Newsletter
April 2025 (5th Issue)
Welcome Message from the Co-Presidents
Greetings Friends,
Let's celebrate together as April welcomes APISAA Heritage month at CSUF. In this Spring newsletter, we're happy to share updates from past and upcoming opportunities to get involved and mingle. We are especially excited about the Mentorship Program's final celebration on April 15th, which everyone is invited to attend (AAPIFSA End-of-Year Social RSVP
). Come learn about the program, meet the AAPIFSA board (hear about open positions we're looking to fill), and feast with us.
This year will be our first year attending the APAHE 2025 Conference. If you’re attending and are interested in an informal meetup, we’d love to connect. Also, be on the lookout for our student scholarships coming soon and help spread the word!
We also want to express our sincere gratitude to all our members and supporters during the Titans Give event. We surpassed our target! With so much happening around campus, please look out for more updates on our website and Instagram (@csuf.aapifsa).
Wishing you a productive and joyful Spring Semester,
– AAPIFSA Co-Presidents
Tricia Kasamatsu and Raven Mansen
Scholarships Available!
AAPIFSA is granting four book scholarships valued at $250 each, in addition to a $1,000 award for an outstanding undergraduate student and a $1,000 award for an outstanding graduate student. Winners will be awarded at the APISAA Heritage Month Student Reception.
Book awardees must be continuing students in Fall 2025 with at least 6 in-house completed units and a GPA of 3.0 for undergraduates/3.25 for graduates.
Outstanding student awardees must be graduating this academic year (Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025) with a GPA of 3.25 or above, and be in good academic and disciplinary standing.
We encourage you to invite eligible students to apply through the links below. Applications close on April 27.
Outstanding Student application
APISAA Grad – Volunteers needed!
The annual Asian Pacific Islander South Asian American recognition ceremony is on May 18 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the TSU Pavilions. Faculty and staff are invited to join in the celebrations. Volunteer spots are also available for set-up, clean-up, and in-ceremony proceedings. Faculty, staff, students, and alumni can indicate their willingness to help using the 2025 APISAA Recognition Celebration Volunteer Sign-Up Form. Please complete the form by April 25 if you wish to volunteer.
Lunar New Year Celebrations at CSUF 🎊🧧
CSUF welcomed the Year of the Snake with an incredible Lunar New Year celebration hosted by President Ronald Rochon! The event featured an energetic lion dance performance, delicious festive food, and a wonderful sense of community. A huge thank you to President Rochon for bringing everyone together to honor this important tradition!
In addition, AAPIFSA hosted a vibrant Lunar New Year gathering at Club 57, complete with origami, a gratitude and intention-setting activity, and an assortment of tasty pastries. It was a beautiful way to reflect on the past year, set positive intentions, and celebrate with friends and colleagues.
Wishing everyone a year full of prosperity, joy, and success! 🏮✨
AAPIFSA End-of-Year Celebratory Luncheon and Social
PLN-130
Tuesday, April 15th
11:00 AM-1:00 PM
We would like to invite you to attend our AAPIFSA End-of-Year Social to mark the completion of our Leadership Program and celebrate the academic year with other faculty and staff on campus. It will be a great opportunity to learn more about AAPIFSA and enjoy a lunch together.
All are welcome so please invite friends and colleagues to join.
To help us get a headcount please register using our RSVP link
.
April is APISAA and SWANA Heritage Month at CSUF
The theme for this year’s Asian Pacific Islander South Asian American (APISAA) Heritage Month is Unveiling Stories: Celebrating APISAA Heritage, Culture, and Resilience. Through a diverse array of programming, such as workshops, Titan Night Market, and new year celebrations, APARC and campus partners aim to illuminate the unique histories and journeys of APISAA individuals. More information and the schedule of events can be found on the APISAA Heritage Month website and APARC’s Instagram
(@csufaparc).
We encourage everyone to get involved in Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Heritage Month by participating in SWANA Resource Center events. Visit their SWANA Instagram
(@swana_dirc) to learn more about opportunities to support and learn from the resilient, innovative, and vivacious SWANA community at CSUF. In April, the library will be hosting a book display on the 1st floor to honor APISAA and SWANA cultures, so that’s a great place to start!
Save the Date for PacFest 2025
The Kaio Foundation invites all to attend PacFest 2025 on May 10 to come together in celebration of the vibrant culture of the Pacific. The free event will be held at the Gardena City Hall from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM and will include cultural performances, food, and vendors showcasing Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, and Asian American talent. A co-ed softball tournament will also take place. Join the fun and experience the warmth of the community! For more information, check out the Kaio Foundation website or reach out to them at info@kaiofoundation.org
.
Slice Shabu
(714) 879-1510
225 N. Harbor Blvd. Fullerton, CA 92832
Slice Shabu is a modern restaurant in downtown Fullerton specializing in the healthy and delicious tradition of "shabu shabu" also known as "hot pot". Diners have the opportunity to select from several different meats including beef, chicken, seafood, and tofu alternatives, and each diner is given their own personal "hot pot" to simmer their selected meats and vegetables in customized broths and dipping sauces. Broths range from the traditional Japanese kombu, tonkatsu, and miso broths, to spicy favorites such as tom yum and spicy miso alternatives.
On the corner of Harbor and Wilshire boulevards in Fullerton, this unique restaurant gives patrons the opportunity to experience cooking their own meal in an Asian hot pot with high quality meats, and one free refill of your vegetables of choice. In addition, the restaurant has some amazing appetizers and serves up traditional Japanese beers along with sake for a wonderfully complete dining experience.
Pictured on right: Prime Beef Shabu Shabu with Agedashi Tofu appetizer and Spicy Miso Broth.
This month we are spotlighting the Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC) coordinator, Kayhlia Yang.
What is your position on campus and how long have you been here?
I currently serve as the Coordinator of the Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC). I have been on campus at Cal State Fullerton since September 2023.
Where would you say you "come from" knowing this question can have many interpretations?
I come from a close-knit community, deeply rooted in family and tradition. I was born and raised in Sacramento, California, but my roots trace back to my Hmong and Lao heritage, as my family are refugees from Laos. Growing up, I was surrounded by family members who all played an integral part in raising me and helping me discover who I am today. Whether it was my parents, grandparents, or extended family, each person contributed to shaping my values, identity, and understanding of the world. The strength of our collective history, culture, and the wisdom passed down through generations has been my foundation, guiding me through challenges and helping me grow into the person I am now.
How did your ethnic background impact your childhood?
Growing up as a Hmong and Lao person in a predominantly white community posed significant challenges. I often felt unseen and unheard by both my peers and educators, which led to a sense of isolation. I frequently struggled with the feeling of being different and misunderstood. Despite this, I found solace in cultural celebrations like Hmong New Year and Lao New Year, where dressing up provided an opportunity to proudly embrace my heritage. However, outside of these moments, I often felt uncomfortable with my differences in comparison to my peers. A particularly vivid memory is of the lunches I would sometimes bring to school—excitedly looking forward to enjoying pepper with fish sauce, only to be met with rude comments about the strong smell. Despite the teasing, I always knew the richness of the flavors made it worth it. These experiences shaped my understanding of cultural pride and resilience, even in the face of adversity.
What were some challenges you faced that led you to this point in your life?
The challenges I faced that led me to this point in my life were largely shaped by my experiences as a second-generation Asian American and as a transfer student from community college to a four-year university. Growing up, I often struggled with balancing my cultural identity with the expectations of the predominantly white community around me. I felt a sense of isolation and a lack of understanding, both socially and academically. Being part of a refugee family, I also faced the complexities of navigating the experiences of my parents while trying to find my own path.
As a transfer student, moving from community college to a four-year university was a transformative experience for me. It was in this new environment that I began to truly discover and embrace my identity as an Asian American. At community college, I focused mainly on academics, and also had the opportunity to engage with a diverse community of students and faculty who allowed me to explore my cultural identity more deeply. I connected with other students who shared similar experiences, which made me realize that my background, while unique, was not something I needed to hide—it was something to be proud of. This further shaped my experiences once I transferred to a four-year university.
This period of self-discovery was not only about understanding who I am as an individual but also about understanding the values and strength my family had instilled in me. The hardships we faced growing up showed me the importance of community, both within my family and in the broader context of society. These experiences helped shape my passion for supporting others who come from similar backgrounds—those who are first-generation and from underserved communities. My journey has reinforced the belief that, just like I relied on the support of my community growing up, I want to help create spaces where students feel they belong and have the resources and support to succeed.
Can you describe a specific incident where you felt proud of where you came from?
One specific incident that fills me with pride is witnessing my family and peers, as Southeast Asian folx in the U.S., achieve their goals and find success. Many of our families arrived in the U.S. as refugees and seeing them not only adapt but thrive in their new environment is a testament to their resilience and determination. The pride I feel for them is immeasurable, and it’s incredibly inspiring to watch individuals overcome significant adversity. Their perseverance serves as a constant reminder of the strength of our community and the lasting impact of our shared journey.
Tell us about your work/research interests and what motivates your passion.
During my graduate studies at San Francisco State University, I completed my thesis titled “AHMong Academia: Understanding HMong Stop-out Students at Universities in California.” This research focused on the challenges faced by first-generation HMong and HMong American students, examining the factors that contribute to their disenrollment or dismissal from universities. The findings from this project provided valuable insights for institutions serving HMong students, identifying gaps in support and highlighting areas for improvement.
This experience profoundly influenced my decision to pursue a career in higher education. As a second-generation college student who had access to support and was able to successfully navigate campus resources, I am dedicated to ensuring that first-generation, underserved, and underrepresented students have the same opportunities to succeed. My goal is to provide these students with the necessary resources and a sense of belonging, empowering them to thrive academically and personally.
Throughout my career, I have developed a deep passion for serving underserved students in higher education. I am committed to continuously expanding my professional knowledge and skills in academia, with the goal of being a resource and advocate for the students I serve, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Outside of my professional role, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and exploring local boba shops in search of the perfect matcha!
This semester, we are shining the spotlight on Krystal Dang and Cindy Do, co-presidents of the CSUF Asian Pacific Islander South Asian Psychological Association (CAPISAPA).
Krystal Dang
Krystal Dang (she/they) is a Vietnamese-Chinese American 3rd year undergraduate with a major in Public Health. She is currently interested in becoming a physician assistant. In her downtime, she enjoys volunteering at clinics and taking nature walks with her friends and family, and as a hobbyist visual artist and musician, she enjoys expressing herself through a variety of creative mediums.
Krystal has been a member of the CAPISAPA since its establishment in Fall 2023, and as one of its current co-Presidents, she aspires to continue its efforts by providing a space for any and all CSUF students whose interests include Asian American psychology and studies. Through CAPISAPA, Krystal envisions an inclusive space for community and connection, where students can engage with like-minded peers and form lasting friendships while also learning more about careers related to psychology. She hopes to host social events, as well as promote networking activities among psychology educators, alumni, and related professionals throughout the semester. She strives to create an encouraging and supportive environment for students as they continue to navigate the university setting and pursue personal career goals.
Cindy Do
Cindy Do (she/her) is one of the Co-Presidents for the CSUF Asian Pacific islander South Asian Psychological Association. She is a Psychology major with a minor in Human Services, and hopes to pursue a dual Master’s degree in social work and public health! She plans to become a mental health provider and work in government or a nonprofit setting to address healthcare disparities and create systemic change across all communities.
Along with CAPISAPA, Cindy has been involved in breast cancer research with Dr. Alice Lee and has two years of experience on the CSUF Forensics team. As a second-generation Vietnamese-American, Cindy has always been passionate about raising awareness of Asian American issues and uplifting APISA communities. Taking on leadership positions with CAPISAPA and being involved on campus has been a way for Cindy to challenge social expectations surrounding Asian Americans as quiet and subservient. Cindy hopes to be a representation of Asian American leadership, pride, and excellence, and to continue empowering APISA communities through her work.
Congratulations we did it! Thanks to your generosity during the Titan Day of Giving, we surpassed our fundraising goals through your donations totaling $1,775. Your contribution is vital in helping us provide resources and opportunities for faculty/staff growth and development while fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. Thank you each for your generosity, support and commitment to Asian American and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff at CSUF!
