The Asian Pacific Islander Association is being recognized for the 2018-2019 as California State University, Monterey Bay’s first ever Affinity Organization of the Year. This award was created when the Best Inter Club Council (ICC) of the Year Award became too vague to highlight all of accomplishments of the ICC clubs.
The coordinator of student organizations, leadership development and assessment, Dan Burfeind, presented the award by saying, “Organizations in this category focus on the cultural richness of their community. This award is given to the ICC organization that has gone above and beyond to create a community on campus for individuals to find their home away from home.”
Asian Pacific Islander Association President Aileen San said the mission of their organization is “to essentially create a space for students who identify as Asian or Pacific Islander, mostly because our population on this campus is very small. We want to provide a sense of home for students, so they can find people with similar backgrounds.”
San says the club welcomes students to join their organization no matter their race or ethnicity, “In the past, we’ve had general members and board members who aren’t Asian or Pacific Islander.” The club embraces all students from all backgrounds.