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Asian and Asian American Center celebrates 15-year anniversary and APIDA Heritage Month

A student with glasses sits cross-legged on a wooden floor, playing a circular gong mounted on a stand while holding a beater. They wear dark clothing with a colorful ribbon on their arm. Other students with traditional percussion instruments, including drums, sit nearby in what appears to be a music workshop at Cornell University.
Cornell Shimtah - Korean Traditional Drumming Organization at Cornell University
Four individuals pose together smiling at the A3C APIDA Heritage Month launch event, one holding a t-shirt that reads “APIDA: Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month.” Others wear shirts commemorating A3C’s 15th anniversary.
A3C staff and interns celebrate the center’s 15th anniversary and APIDA Heritage Month during the launch event in Willard Straight Hall.

This year’s Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month at Cornell was more than just a celebration—it wrapped up the 15-year anniversary of the Asian and Asian American Center (A3C). 

APIDA Heritage Month, celebrated nationally in May, honors the cultural contributions and histories of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Americans. At Cornell, the month is filled with events designed to educate the campus community on APIDA experiences, identities, and challenges. 

The festivities kicked off on Wednesday, April 9, with A3C’s annual launch event in Willard Straight Hall’s Memorial Room. Students gathered for free boba, snacks, merchandise, and live performances.

Bowl of congee topped with Spam, scrambled eggs, mushrooms, pickled vegetables, scallions, and pork floss, with miso soup, yogurt, and a bánh mì sandwich on a white table.
A selection from Cornell Dining’s APIDA Heritage Month dinners

The following evening, all five West Campus dining halls joined the celebration with APIDA Heritage Month-themed dinners, featuring diverse culinary offerings such as noodles, curries, stir-fry, street food, and Asian-style breakfast for dinner.  

“I believe APIDA Heritage Month is critically important—not only for those who identify within the APIDA umbrella but for our entire campus community,” said Michelle Van-Ess Grant, senior associate dean for the Centers for Student Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging. 

“The month provides a platform to uplift the richness, complexity, and diversity of APIDA identities and lived experiences. For those who do not identify as APIDA, engaging in these programs allows us to deepen our cultural humility, challenge biases, and better understand how systems of oppression impact different communities. APIDA Heritage Month reminds us that our collective liberation is interconnected.” 

Two smiling students stand in a modern dining hall holding plates of food. A woman in a green Cornell sweatshirt holds a plate with what appears to be fried items, while a tall man with glasses and curly hair in a beige sweater holds a plate with rice, vegetables, and other dishes. The background shows a contemporary cafeteria with green walls, circular ceiling lights, and food service areas.
Students enjoy a community meal together during APIDA West Dinners, showcasing the diverse food from the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American communities.

Throughout April, A3C partnered with departments, student organizations, and university offices to host a range of events—from a cultural breakfast and a mock wedding to a drum show and a talk with a popular TikTok creator. Planning for the celebration began in the fall and included faculty, staff, and students from across the university. A3C’s student employees played a major role in organizing and executing the events.  

“Working with A3C has been one of the most grounding parts of my Cornell experience,” said Morielle Mamaril ‘27, an A3C intern. “I’ve formed close bonds with the other interns that have deepened my sense of belonging here at Cornell; we lean on each other through hectic weeks, celebrate each other’s wins, and grow together through shared purpose. A3C has, and will always be, a caring community that stays with me throughout my entire time here.” 

The month concluded with the annual APIDA Gala on Friday, May 2, held in the Statler Hotel ballroom. The evening featured performances by the Eastern Music Ensemble and Cornell Bhangra, and honored student leaders with end-of-year awards: 

Three male dancers perform a traditional South Asian dance on stage, wearing vibrant costumes with black pants and embellished pink and orange tops, expressing joyful energy through dynamic hand and body movements.
Cornell Bhangra performs at the APIDA Gala on Friday, May 2, in the Statler Hotel ballroom.
  • Best Event of the Year: Philippine Culture Night by the Cornell Filipino Association
  • New and Upcoming Student Organization of the Year: Cornell’s Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers
  • Outstanding Contribution to the APIDA Community by a Student Organization: Shimtah at Cornell
  • Student Advocate of the Year: Gaurvi Awasthi
  • Honorable Mention: Jonathan Lam

This year’s keynote speaker, Sahaj Kaur Kohli, founder of Brown Girl Therapy - the first and largest mental health and wellness community organization for adult children of immigrants- and columnist for The Washington Post, addressed the intersection of self-care and cultural identity—topics that resonated deeply with this year’s theme. Her recent book, But What Will People Say?, explores mental health and wellness through the lens of immigrant family dynamics. 

A woman in a floral red and beige dress speaks in front of a projected screen at the APIDA Gala, wearing gold statement earrings and standing with her hands clasped.
Keynote speaker Sahaj Kaur Kohli, founder of Brown Girl Therapy, presents at the APIDA Gala.

“In the months leading up to this celebration, the previous director and I met with some of our most dedicated alumni and supporters,” said Shannon Sy, assistant director of A3C and lead organizer of the celebrations. 

“A deep sense of purpose emerged, grounded in the importance of honoring those who came before us and continuing to uplift the diverse narratives that make up our community. This year’s programming reflected that commitment, with a strong emphasis on community care, wellness and mental health.” 

The 15th year is a milestone that reflects the strength and resilience of the APIDA community at Cornell. With a focus on wellness, identity, and community, the monthlong celebration served as both a tribute to the past 15 years and a vision for the future of A3C.

Award recipient holds a certificate and stands beside a smiling presenter during the APIDA Gala, where Cornell’s Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers was recognized as the New and Upcoming Student Organization of the Year.
Cornell’s Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers receives the New and Upcoming Student Organization of the Year award at the APIDA Gala.
“I really wanted to find a space at Cornell where I could talk about all the different issues - in the context of my Asian identity - and that’s where A3C fit in perfectly with me.” - Dora John ’26, A3C student employee. 

Watch the video below to learn more about A3C and their 15 years at Cornell - through the stories of their student interns!