As we approach the close of the spring semester, we are pleased to begin our Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebration early. Although AAPI Heritage Month was officially inaugurated in 1992 and is nationally recognized in May, we intentionally start our commemoration in April. This adjustment allows us to more fully include the students, staff, and faculty who typically leave campus before the academic year concludes.
The month of May holds significance for AAPI Heritage Month because the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and the transcontinental railroad, built largely by Chinese immigrants, was completed on May 10, 1869.
Today, the AAPI community reflects remarkable cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity. With over 25 million people of AAPI descent in the U.S. representing dozens of countries, over twenty different ethnicities, and more than 75 languages, it is a rich and broadly defined community. Their various contributions have deeply shaped our shared culture in numerous ways, from science and the arts to cuisine, philosophy, and politics.
At Vanguard, we are committed to honoring the vibrant presence and lasting impact of our AAPI students, staff, and faculty. As expressions of our Christian faith and identity, we strive to foster a community that reflects the inclusive and transformative love of Christ. Scripture encourages us to “be devoted to one another in love...[and to] honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). In this spirit, we celebrate the numerous ways the AAPI community has enriched us. Simultaneously, we stand in solidarity against any forms of discrimination or violence.
As we engage in celebrations, I urge us to continue to educate ourselves, give empathetic attention, and learn from the stories and traditions that enrich our shared community life. Please consider attending the meaningful events organized by VU’s Asian and Pacific Islander Club (APIC) and the Spiritual Formation Department (SFD), including Chapel Honor Week, the API Dinner, APIC Bonfire, and the various library and residence life displays. Details of the events are provided in the attached flyer.
Please consider the following resources:
Brief Video on the History of the AAPI Celebration: Why Do We Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month?
Important facts about the AAPI population in the USA: Pew Research AAPI Populations
Stats on the economic contribution of people of AAPI heritage: New American Economy Research on AAPI Contributions
Nationally sponsored Curation of AAPI Cultural Artifacts: AAPI Heritage Artifacts
Why We Celebrate
We send out communications like this because we see celebrating the ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage of our entire student body and institution as being in harmony with our Christian faith, our Pentecostal heritage, and our university mission. We seek to model a Kingdom ethic that embraces, honors, and includes every member of our community. This, we affirm, is a key part of what it means to love one another as Jesus our Lord has loved us (John 15:12).