Through collaborative efforts, both internal and external, Asian Pacific Islander Desi Student Services (APIDSS) offers programming that increases awareness of traditions and contemporary issues related to Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) communities. These programs and events provide students with opportunities to grow as individuals who exhibit social responsibility and awareness, an appreciation for diverse communities, and a desire to pursue lifelong learning and development. The list below represents signature programs we host every academic year:
APIDSS Mixer
The APIDSS Annual Mixer brings our students, faculty, and staff together at the start of each academic year to build community, make connections, and get to know one another. Featuring refreshments, fun prizes, and opportunities to connect, the mixer helps foster a sense of belonging across the LMU community.
Mid-Autumn Festival
Coordinated by APIDSS in collaboration with APIDA registered student organizations (RSOs), this annual program celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival, known by different names across Asian cultures, including Zhōngqiū Jié (中秋节) in Chinese and Taiwanese communities, Tết Trung Thu in Vietnamese communities, Chuseok (추석) in Korean communities, and Tsukimi (月見) in Japanese communities. Observed across many Asian cultures, the festival brings communities together through food, activities, and shared traditions while honoring themes of gathering, gratitude, harmony, and hope.
APIDA Unity Games
APIDA Unity Games is an annual collaboration between APIDSS, Han Tao, Isang Bansa, and Nā Kōlea that brings our APIDA student organizations together through friendly competition, community-building, and collective action around a social justice issue. After a multi-year hiatus, the three student organization presidents at the time revived Unity Games. They helped raise funds for relief efforts for the 2023 Maui fires and continue to promote APIDA unity, awareness, and philanthropy.
Lunar New Year
In collaboration with the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) and APIDA student organizations, this annual celebration honors new year traditions across Asian communities, including Chinese New Year, Tết (Vietnamese New Year), and Seollal (Korean New Year), through food, activities, and cultural experiences.
Center for Asian Business Film Screenings
A joint program with the Center for Asian Business and APIDA student organizations, this annual program highlights APIDA films and filmmakers while creating space to appreciate and celebrate the diversity of APIDA stories, perspectives, and cinematography.
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Grad Ceremony
The APIDA Grad Ceremony is an LMU tradition celebrating the academic and personal achievements of graduating students from the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American community. Open to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students completing their degrees in the spring, summer, or fall, the ceremony honors their accomplishments, identities, and journeys at LMU.
For more information on current programs, please visit APIDSS LEO website.