The Asian Student Association brings together upwards of 200 of the nearly 2,000 Asian students enrolled throughout MATC. Established in 1988 by its initial members, the group provides support to students while also promoting Asian cultural awareness to the MATC community at large. Located at the Downtown Milwaukee campus in room M320, the club orchestrates MATC’s Asian Community Awareness Week every year around the month of April.
The Asian Student Association’s missions are composed in its by-laws which were established and then passed on from year to year by its members. They are as follows:
To promote awareness of the Asian culture on campus.
To promote higher education and recruitment efforts among the Asian community.
To provide social and academic support for one another at MATC.
To ensure fair representation on campus.
One of the club’s faculty advisers, Student Services Specialist Mrs. Chia Vang, is also an alumnus and founding member who worked on the by-laws from the club’s start. She noted the dual importance of the club’s mission.
“The Asian student club’s mission is to provide mental support among students,” Vang said, “as well as to be an active student club to really promote cultural education to the MATC community.”
Historically the club has promoted a variety of events, especially during its annual Asian Community Awareness Week. These promotions often include films, cultural presentations, Asian fashion shows, speakers, and several community dance performances including East Indian and dragon dancing.
ASA’s Student President Mai Tong (Teacher Education program) attributes the association’s high level of member involvement to a friendly and welcoming environment among the group. “It’s a great place to hang out, talk, and meet lots of new people,” Tong said.
As for advice to students considering joining the association she adds, “I highly recommend it because it is a great place to learn all about MATC and about all its events.”