AAARCC Spring 2025 Lunch & Learn Series

• Thursdays
• 12:00-1:00pm

View Lunch & Learn Series Flyer

The AAARCC is excited to share our upcoming Spring Lunch & Learn series! Each week, we will feature a different guest speaker sharing their research, teaching, and engagement expertise.

Events marked with * will not take place at the AAARCC and will not have a Zoom livestream option. More information about RSVP and location will be shared in upcoming posts.

IMPORTANT!

COREC PARKING (GENERAL ENTRANCE)

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A COREC MEMBERSHIP,

USE PARKING LOT (GENERAL ENTRANCE)

NEAR CIRCLE DRIVE AT BACK OF COREC

COREC MEMBERS CAN ALSO ENTER FROM 2ND FLOOR AND DESCEND TO 1ST FLOOR FOR GOLD & BLACK GYMS

📥 Download

2025 AAARCC Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday February 8th, 2025 from 11am-2pm
CoRec Gold & Black Gyms (355 N Martin Jischke Dr)

The AAARCC hosts an annual Lunar New Year Celebration featuring over 1,300 attendees, 9 performances, and 30 tabling campus partners and organizations. This event is free and open to the public. There is free parking available at the parking lot behind the CoRec building.

A full list of performers and tabling organizations will be coming soon.

Download

We wouldn't be able to host a successful Lunar New Year Celebration without the help of volunteers from the community! Please visit the following link for more information about volunteering for the Lunar New Year Celebration and to sign up: bit.ly/LNYvol

There are multiple timeslots and stations to help with. You may sign up for multiple timeslots and change your commitment at any time. Please sign up to volunteer by Friday, January 31, 2025.

Putsata Reang's Ma and Me Book Discussion

Free event & open to the campus community. If you need accommodation to participate in this event, please contact (765)496-0488 or email aaarcc@purdue.edu.

Join the AAARCC in celebrating the narratives of Cambodian and QTBIPOC refugees in America from Putsata Reang's memoir Ma and Me. We will explore themes of displacement, familial bonds, cultural and filial duty, coming out and queer love, and resilience through community storytelling activities. Reading the book prior to the event is not required to participate.

Free book copy provided for the first 20 individuals who RSVP and attend the event! RSVP not required to attend. RSVP

About the Author: Putsata Reang is an award-winning author and journalist whose writings have appeared in various national and international publications. Putsata was born in Cambodia, and raised in rural Oregon. Her memoir explores the glades of displacement felt by children of refugees, and the overlay of emotional exile that comes with being gay.

Upcoming Event: Putsata Reang is the featured author for PSUB's Books & Coffee event series co-sponsored by Purdue Libraries, LGBTQ Center, and AAARCC. She will be speaking at the PMU North Ballroom on Thursday, Feb 27 from 6:30-8:30pm.

This program has been made possible through a grant from Indiana Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities. This event is co-sponsored by AAARCC, LGBTQ Center, Libraries and School of Information Studies, and PSUB.

Stories Hold the Cure: Memoir Writing Workshop with Putsata Reang

• Thurs Feb 27, 2025
• 3-4:30pm
• AAARCC (915 5th St)

Join Putsata Reang on Thursday, February 27, from 3-4:30pm at the AAARCC (915 5th St) to practice writing family stories and personal narratives to start your own memoir! RSVP is encouraged but not required to attend:

RSVP

Free event & open to the campus community. If you need accommodation to participate in this event, please contact (765)496-0488 or email aaarcc@purdue.edu. 

Workshop Description We all have wounds that resist healing, injuries incurred in moments when we are misunderstood, unseen, unheard, and worse, harmed. These wounds are what former U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Tretheway calls the "existential wound" — the ones that don't seem to ever heal — and they can trap us into a single narrative of being unworthy, unlovable, irredeemable. We spend so much of our lives tending to the wounds of others, but what if we found the courage to turn inward and look at the places inside of us that throb? What if we summoned the vulnerability to tell not only our doctors where it hurts, but also tell our friends and family, our co-workers and our community? What if we started to tell the stories of our scars and author a different narrative of our lives? We all have scars that start as wounds that sometimes struggle to heal. Stories hold the cure.

About Putsata Reang

Putsata Reang is an award-winning author and journalist whose writings have appeared in various national and international publications. Putsata was born in Cambodia and raised in rural Oregon. Her memoir explores the glades of displacement felt by children of refugees, and the overlay of emotional exile that comes with being gay. 

Upcoming Events

Putsata is the featured author for PSUB's Books & Coffee event series and will speak at the PMU North Ballroom on Thursday, Feb 27 from 6:30-8:30pm.

This workshop is funded by the Department of English. Putsata's visit is supported by the Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center, Department of English, LGBTQ Center, Libraries & School of Information Studies, and Purdue Student Union Board. 
This program has been made possible through a grant from Indiana Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Books & Coffee featuring author Putsata Reang

• February 27th, 2025
• 6:30-8:30pm
• PMU North Ballroom

Enjoy coffee, treats, and great conversations on these thought-provoking reads.


This program has been made possible through a grant from Indiana Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities. This event is co-sponsored by AAARCC, LGBTQ Center, Libraries and School of Information Studies, and PSUB.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEING OURSELVES

MONDAY, March 24, 2025 from 7-8:30pm

Performance & Panel with Theater Mu

Nancy T. Hansen Theatre (Pao Hall 552 W Wood St)

Join Theater Mu as they offer insight into the history of Asian American theater and social justice. Learn how Mu became the largest Asian American theater programming have received national attention for artistic excellence and deep community engagement.

Enjoy live performances from Mu artists as they reflect on how their identities intersect with their personal lives, professional careers, and the Midwest theater landscape.

Conclude with break-out discussions for attendees and Q&A with the panelists centered around the themes of representation and resilience.

Open to the general public. Parking is available after 5:00 pm in the front/back lots of Pao Hall and along Sheetz St.

CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY

TUESDAY, March 25, 2025 from 10-11am

Brunch with Theater Mu

AAARCC (915 5th St)

Join Theater Mu artists and staff for a social brunch! Chat with Mu about the field of performance, theater, non-profit, and arts administration. Learn more about Asian American theater, including other Theater Mu programs and collaborations.

Light refreshments will be served.

Open to Purdue students, faculty, and staff with RSVP only.

RSVP form: bit.ly/MulMar26

Co-sponsored by:

Purdue Asian Alumni Network (PAAN) Fall 2025 Mentorship Program Pizza Party Callout

• Wednesday March 26, 2025
• 12-1pm at AAARCC (915 5th Street)

Stop by this information session to meet Almira (Sugar) Yllana from the Purdue for Life Foundation and learn more about the Purdue Asian Alumni Network (PAAN) mentorship program. This is a free event open to all current Purdue students. Food will be provided to the first 50 attendee.

About PAAN Mentorship Program: 

For current Purdue students interested in refining their career path with a Boilermaker mentor:

• Connect with experienced Purdue alumni professionals
• Gain valuable insight and guidance
• Limited spots availableundefinedundefined

To view all Alumni Affinity Networks and the Fall 2025 Mentoring Program Application, please visit:

PAAN Application

View Flyer

Nowruz Spring 2025 Celebration

• Friday, March 28, 2025 and
• Tuesday, April 1, 2025
• 3-5 PM
• AAARCC (915 5th Street)

Celebrate and learn about Nowruz (New Year) through poetry writing, canvas painting, and the haftseen table. This is a free event open to the campus community.

This event is generously supported by the Sarmadi-Mohammadi family. This event is partially funded by SFAB.

View Flyer

Navigating Uncertainties During the Job Search

• Monday, March 31, 2025 12-1:30pm

MP2 in the Black Cultural Center (1100 3rd St)

Please join the Cultural Centers and Center for Career Opportunities for a workshop on how non-US Citizens can manage the uncertainties in career planning and professional development. CCO specialists will share resources for: job searching (US and globally), strategic marketing of your skills and experiences, building networks and support groups.

RSVP is encouraged for limited seating but not required to attend.  RSVP

Food will be provided. All persons have equal access to Purdue University's education programs, services, and activities.

View Flyer

Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya

Spring 2025 Artist in Residence

AAARCC 10th Anniversary // The Paths Less traveled // APA Heritage Month

The AAARCC is pleased to announce our Spring 2025 Artist in Residence in observance of the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and the AAARCC's 10th anniversary. Please join us in welcoming artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya on campus from Monday April 14 through Thursday April 17, 2025.

Open Studio Hours & Participatory Art Making Sessions

April 14-16, Mon-Wed

10AM-12PM | 2PM-4PM | 5PM-7PM

AAARCC
915 5th St

Open Studio Hours

Stop by the AAARCC to observe Amanda's work in progress and gain insight into her process of weaving materials into sculptures, installations, and rituals of restoration and remembrance.

Participatory Art Making Sessions

Intentionally volunteer time to creating art with Amanda while learning themes and techniques used to create community-centered public art.
Open to individuals who RSVP

AAARCC 10th Anniversary 
Artist Talk & Exhibition Reception

April 17
 Thursday

Artist Talk: 5-6PM | AAARCC 
915 5th St

Exhibition: 6:30-7:30PM | AAARCC 
915 5th St

Gather and share the collaborative work created by Amanda and the Purdue campus community in celebration of the AAARCC's 10th Anniversary and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Artist talk 5-6PM (refreshments provided) followed by open exhibit hour at AAARCC 915 5th St.

Exhibition 6:30-7:30PM at AAARCC 915 5th St.

 Artist Bio

Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya is a Brooklyn-based transdisciplinary artist. Born in Atlanta to Thai and Indonesian immigrants, her practice spans participatory installations, textile, sculpture, large-scale murals, and public art. Her work has been shown at the Brooklyn Museum, Lincoln Center, The Museum of the City of New York, Times Square, and countless rallies and protests around the world. Amanda’s work transforms everyday spaces into spheres of healing and monuments of belonging. Her process draws upon community contribution and personal narrative to shape portals made of textile, metal, wood, and dreams: an ecosystem of reciprocity between the artist and her communities. Through ceremony and ritual, delicate moments of connection and unexpected vulnerability emerge — creating a path to expansive thinking and new possibilities.

This program is made possible by AAARCC, University Residences, Bechtel Innovation Design Center, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, SFAB, Purdue Food Co., ALab, PATTeRN, and ZMEDStudios.

View Flyer

Spring 2025 Destress Week

April 28 - May 3, 2025

AAARCC (915 5th St)

Finish strong and wrap up the end of the spring semester with the AAARCC and various Asian-interest student organizations co-hosting Destress Week! Destress Week features daily events during the week of April 28 - May 2, 2025 co-hosted at the AAARCC (915 5th St). Check out the student organizations co-hosting the Destress Week events:

Monday | April 28

1:00PM-3:00PM | Tea & Tiers with Tea Appreciation Club

Enjoy a delightful afternoon of freshly brewed tea and delicious cakes, perfect for sweetening your day and sharing good company!

Tuesday | April 29

11:00AM - 2:00PM | Mohinga Masterclass with Myanmar Student Association
Learn the art of making Mohinga (fish soup), the National Dish of Myanmar!

Wednesday | April 30

3:00PM - 5:00PM | Henna & Lassi with American India Foundation

Celebrate culture, creativity, and community with henna art and refreshing mango lassi! 

Thursday | May 01

12:30PM - 1:30PM | Tempeh! with AAARCC
Join us for a fun and flavorful cooking demo for an Indonesian fermented soybean cuisine, from savory to sweet!

2:00PM - 5:00PM | Sing it out! with Purdue Filipino Association

Step up to the mic and unleash your inner superstar at this lively karaoke afternoon filled with music, fun, and unforgettable performances!

Friday | May 02

3:00PM - 4:00PM | Family Games with Taiwanese Student Association x Vietnamese Student Association

Dive into the world of traditional Taiwanese and Vietnamese games and snacks! 

4:00PM - 5:00PM | Mochi Kart with Gardening Club
Roll up your sleeves to make delicious mochi and then race your friends in a thrilling Mario Kart showdown! 

Email aaarcc@purdue.edu if you have questions about the events. 

These events are partially funded by SFAB.

View Flyer

InspirAsian: AAARCC Graduation & ASUB Gala

• Saturday May 3, 2025
• 5:00-8:00PM
• CoRec Gold & Black Gyms (355 N Martin Jischke Dr)

Celebrate the contributions of Boilermakers to the Asian & Asian American community 

Awards are open to all students and organizations that meet the listed award criteria. Nominees must be nominated by other Purdue affiliated students, organizations, faculty, and staff. Nominations close Sunday, April 13, 2025, 11:59pm ET.

Award Categories:

• Outstanding
student organization - bit.ly/ia25org
• Undergrad student leader - bit.ly/ia25usl
• Graduate student leader - bit.ly/ia25gsl
• Outstanding
graduating undergrad - bit.ly/ia25ug
• Outstanding
graduating graduate- bit.ly/ia25gg

This event is open to all undergraduate and graduate students graduating in Spring, Summer, and Fall 2025. Please RSVP at bit.ly/InspirAsian25

Please note that stoles will only be provided for registrants who attend the event in person.

Dress code is celebratory and formal attire. Doors open at 4:30pm and celebration will start promptly at 5:00pm. Light refreshments will be served. This event will feature performances from student organizations. Follow @purdueasub & @purdueaaarcc on social media for details about general admission and performances.

Give to InspirAsian

If you are interested in financially supporting the InspirAsian graduation celebration event, please use this visit bit.ly/givetotheaaarcc . Please check the "Additional Comments/Special Instructions" box and leave a note that your gift is for "InspirAsian"

This event is co-sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, AAARCC, and Asian Student Union Board.

View Flyer for Stole RSVP

View Flyer for Award Nominations

Spring 2025 Pop-Up Bread Table

• Mondays | 11 AM | AAARCC (915 5th St)

Stop by the AAARCC to pick up free bread and pastries!

Offered on a first-come, first-served basis on Mondays from 11 AM while supplies last.

Announcements will be made on @purdueaaarcc social media when the bread is gone for the day.

Co-hosted by: ACE Food Pantry

Language & Conversation Practice

• Tuesdays and Fridays | 3 - 4 PM | AAARCC (915 5th St)

Currently offering practices in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Indonesian

Enhance your language skills and cultural understanding!

Conversation Practice

Want to practice speaking an Asian language but there's no environment? Just stop by the AAARCC and ask for language practice. The volunteers are ready to help you out with conversations, role-play, and dialogues.

Character Writing Practice

Learn how to write characters in different languages to understand their meanings.

Culture Talk

Share your knowledge about your culture, what others should know when you visit a country in Asia or listen to the stories of the Asian American communities in the US!

Movies and Music

Watch iconic movies and dramas from Asia, sing karaoke of your favorite songs while enjoying the snacks at the AAARCC!

Hosted by: Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center

Weekly Grad Students Hours

• Thursday | 1:30 - 3:30PM | 2nd Floor, AAARCC (915 5th St)

GRAD TEA

Come network or quiet work with other graduate students while enjoying tea and snacks

View Flyer

Co-hosted by: Asian American and Asian Graduate Student Association (AAAGraSA)

Spring 2025 CARE Liaison Hours

• Wednesdays
• 3 - 4 PM
• AAARCC (915 5th St)

All AAARCC events are free and open to the campus community

Chat about healthy relationships with CARE Advocates while learning a new craft each month:

• January 22: Beginner Crochet Stitches
• February 26: DIY Bead Fidget Toys
• March 26: Mug Decorating
• April 16: Grad Cap & Picture Frame Decorating

Meet Your Advocate

Tiffany Botsford-Samuels

• Assistant Director, Center for Advocacy, Response, & Education (CARE)

I have worked at Purdue since 2022. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Indiana and practiced mental health therapy before coming to Purdue. I completed my bachelor's in psychology from Indiana University-Kokomo and my master's in Clinical and Community Mental Health from Western Illinois University. I am a proud daughter, sister, wife, and cat-mom. I love reading, crafting, and making people laugh.

Co-hosted by: Center for Advocacy, Response, & Education (CARE)

Spring 2025 CCO/PPA Liaison Hours

• Wednesdays | 1 - 2 PM | AAARCC (915 5th St)
• Drop-in, No Appointment Necessary

Stop by for career and pre-professional advising, resume reviews, interview prep, and more!

Shihling Chui-Dwyer

• Career Services Consultant | International Student Specialist
• Pronouns: she/her/hers

Review your resume or cover letter, prepare for interviews, and chat about job opportunities.

Available Dates: January 22, February 12, February 26, April 2

Cristy Gosney, MFA

• Senior Pre-Professional Advisor
• Pronouns: she/her/hers

Chat about programs in healthcare and law. Ask about recommended exams and courses. Review your personal statement or applications.

Available Dates: January 22, February 12

Co-hosted by: Center for Career Opportunities

Spring 2025 CAPS Liaison Hours

• Wednesdays | 12 - 1 PM | AAARCC (915 5th St)
• No Appointment Necessary

Stop by for an informal chat to check-in on how your semester is going and learn how CAPS can support your student success!

Tongyu Zhou

• Staff Therapist | M.S.Ed., MPhil.Ed.
• Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hello! My name is Tongyu and I’m a staff therapist at CAPS. I’m excited to offer Liaison Hours at AAARCC, providing support in both English and Mandarin. Whether you need advice, have questions about mental health resources, or just want to talk, I’m here to help.

Yujin Song

• Doctoral-level Psychology Intern | M.Ed.
• Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hello! My name is Yujin and I’m pursuing a PhD in Counseling Psychology at Purdue. As a CAPS Liaison for the AAARCC, I’m here to listen and provide expert advice about navigating mental health as a student or just want to talk, I’m here to help.

Powered by: Counseling and Psychological Services | Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center

Spring 2025 BFT Liaison Hours

• Fridays | 3 - 4 PM | AAARCC (915 5th St)
• Jan 31 | 14 Feb | Feb 28| March 14 | March 28 | April 11 | April 25

No appointment necessary, Free service, open to the campus community

Stop by on select Fridays for free financial counseling and learn about financial literacy, budgeting assistance, and other Boiler Financial Track (BFT) services.

Meet the student consultants!

Cael Williams (he/him) is a Lead Financial Wellness Educator with Boiler Financial Track. He is a senior in Selling and Sales Management and upon graduation in May 2025, will begin his career at Gallagher Insurance in Chicago.

Drew Mandeville (he/him) is a Financial Wellness Educator with Boiler Financial Track and a Financial Counseling & Planning major. He is passionate about helping others navigate their finances and applies this enthusiasm in his work and studies.

Boiler Financial Track (BFT) is a component of Purdue’s Steps to Leaps initiative, a set of five convenient, self-assessment pillars to help students build lifelong habits that lead to more resiliency, self-confidence, financial literacy, and the growth mindset.

View Flyer

Co-hosted by: RecWell and Purdue Federal Credit Union

Spring 2025 OWL Liaison Hours

Tuesdays | 1 - 3 PM | AAARCC (915 5th St)

No Appointment Necessary

What can Purdue Owl Help you with? Thousands of Purdue students, especially the good writers, come to the OWL because they know it's useful to talk about what they're writing and to get feedback. Writers bring in papers from courses in biology, engineering, political science, technology, communications, and job applications, and many other courses besides English. They also come in to work on resumes and job applications, internship and co-op reports, or any other writing task they're working on, including papers for graduate seminars. We help Purdue students, faculty, staff, and even those learning English as a second language.

Meet the Purdue Owl Consultants Jacqueline Borchert (she/her) is a Professional Writing Specialist who has been a preschool, middle school, and English Language Learner teacher. Her current research focuses on linguistic justice and multiracial identity. She enjoys playing DND, reading, and baking. View Flyer

Powered by: On-Campus Writing Lab and Purdue Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center