Our History
Present Day
APASO continues to advocate for inclusive spaces, cutural resources, and equitable opportunities for all students at Michigan State
2025
MSU opens the university's first free-standing Multicultural Center.
2023
APASO hosts its 20th Cultural Vogue with the largest attendance to date
2022
APASO and other CORES groups begin working on the planning and building of a Multicultural Center at Michigan State
2020
APASO passes the first student data transparency bill regarding inclusive reporting in campus organizations.
2019
Public town halls addressing community relations and prejudice following the COVID-19 pandemic are spearheaded by APASO, supported by campus partners.
2016
Standing with CRU, APASO and other CORES groups protest to ASMSU inviting the four 2016 presidential candidates to campus on October 6th, 2016
2008
APASO is officially recognized as an Umbrella Organization with 8 official affiliates
2007
APA studies program hosts its first APA studies conference, featuring Dr. Evelyn HuDehard as well as five undergraduate students who present research and scholarships
2006
MSU hosts its first MAASU (Midwest APIDA Student Union) Conference
2005
The APA Heritage Room is renamed to the Vincent Chin Memorial Room after anti-affirmative legislation is introduced in Michigan Legislature
2001
Michigan State is recognized as one of the "Top 10 APA friendly Universities"
1998
APASO affiliate organizations form the APA Affiliate Council
1995
The Mentoring Asian Americans with Promise (MAP) program is created, establishing a key mentorship resource that connects students with faculty and staff to support academic success.
1992
The first Asian American Experience Class is conducted, but with an "Independent Study" status through the ATL department. Professor Roger Bresnahan and Maggie Chen volunteer to teach with no financial compensation. 18 students meet on a weekly basis to learn about histories, literature, cultures, and issues impacting diverse communities
1991
APASO forms the Council of Racial and Ethnic Students (CORES) with BSA, CRU (CHISPA), and NAISO
1990
APASO hosts the first annual Cultural Vogue
1990
APASO successfully advocated for expanded student support staff positions to meet the needs of a rapidly growing and diverse student population.
1989
APASO attends the Study-In and minority student protest at the Admissions Building
1989
Vietnamese Student Association and the Hmong Student Organization join APASO as affiliate organizations, becoming the first two affiliates of APASO
1986
APASO holds a civil rights rally in honor of Vincent Chin. Publicity of the rally contains phone numbers of student organizers. Several of these students receive racist and threatening phone calls prior to the rally, spewing hatred such as: "That ch*nk deserved it"
1986
ASMSU (the student government) & RHA (Residence Halls Association), pass unanimous bills in support of APASO's concerns - Along with the support by other minority student communities and the Minority Aides on campus, APASO applies increasing pressure for Vice President to address APA student concerns and issues
1985
A formal request is made for diverse representation in the Office of Admissions & Scholarships to ensure awareness and understanding of all student needs and backgrounds.
1984
APASO gains seat on the "Public Service Council" of ASMSU's Programming Board, joining other racial ethnic minority organizations
1982
APASO is founded by Sandy Tsuneyoshi and undergraduate students after the murder of Vincent Chin
June 23, 1982
Vincent Chin is murdered in Detroit