The Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Center re-opened its office on campus after renovations with a grand opening and welcome back event in front of Mesa Vista Hall, on Sept. 3.
AAPIRC’s vision and mission are to provide a physical space where students can enrich their university social experience and access student services, programs, research, educational opportunities and build a sense of belonging for all students at UNM by highlighting and celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander cultures, AAPIRC Program Manager Aaron Tuioti-Mariner wrote to the Daily Lobo.
The AAPIRC office on campus underwent renovations for an 18-month period, Acting Director of AAPIRC Pamela Agoyo, said during the event. The center was previously located in the College of Education Classroom building that was demolished to transform the site into a functional green space, according to UNM Newsroom.
“The center is for all students and we’re positioned and privileged to support all staff, students and community members,” Agoyo said.
AAPIRC supports 14 AAPI student organizations, including the Asian American Student Association, Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, the Bangladeshi, Filipino Indian, Muslim, Nepali and Pakistani student associations.
AAPIRC also contributes significantly to AAPI student organization event planning, including AASA’s Spring Formal, Jasmine Maokhamphiou, AASA marketing and design chair, wrote in a statement to the Daily Lobo.
“They have the resources to help out with AASA's events and provide space for us to meet and promote ourselves,” Maokhamphiou wrote. “I feel excited about the reopening of the AAPIRC office. Its new dedicated area feels like a welcoming presence here on campus. A clean space with all the amenities such as free printing and computers, a kitchenette and meeting tables make it a great place to finish work or just hang out.”
The AAPIRC office is now open for students to visit at Mesa Vista Hall in Room 1064.
Maria Fernandez is the copy editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at copy@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
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