About the AAAPI Center

History 

In the aftermath of the Atlanta spa shootings in 2021, AAAPI community action groups were formed to condemn racism, discrimination, and violence. The AAAPI community organized a panel discussion in April 2021 advocating for Central to become an empowering and inclusive space for all. Following this discussion, students and faculty expressed a strong need for resources and a dedicated space to support the AAAPI community on campus. The Asian American and Pacific Islander Studies minor was inaugurated on campus in December 2021. After three years of collaboration with students, faculty, and the administration, the Asian American, Asian, and Pacific Islander (AAAPI) Center officially opened in September 2024 on the second floor of Elihu Burritt Library.

Mission 

The mission of the AAAPI Center is to provide an open space for everyone - students, faculty and the broader university community - to connect. This space supports academic and cultural events and programs, professional development, and community engagement opportunities for students and academic programs across the university. By providing a physical space for student organization meetings, academic use, and community connections, the Center addresses the academic, cultural, and social needs of students at Central.

Vision 

The Center’s vision is to promote and benefit the academic, cultural and social needs of the AAAPI community and academic programs at Central. It champions academic achievement and retention, connection with faculty and community members, leadership, research, and social connection.