LMU Celebrates APIDA Heritage Month

During the month of May, Loyola Marymount University celebrates Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich histories, diverse cultures, and lasting contributions of the APIDA community at LMU. This month invites the LMU community to celebrate with a wishing tree, cram jams for students as they prepare for finals, a dance workshop, and the month will conclude with the annual APIDA Grad Ceremony on Thursday, May 14.

Through May 15, William H. Hannon Library will host an exhibit called "Across Borders and Generations." Explore the immigration stories of our APIDA community through this library exhibit. From sacrifice to resilience, discover the journeys that shaped who we are today. Join Asian Pacific Islander Desi Student Services (APIDSS) in celebrating with the following programs:

Wednesday, April 29, Regents Grass, 11 a.m. PDT
Our APIDA Wishing Tree at Wellness Wednesday
Write a wish on our wishing tree for your studies, your community, or your future. Celebrate APIDA Heritage Month and power through the finals season together.

Friday, May 1, St Robert's Auditorium, 1:30 p.m. PDT
APIDA Heritage Month Kickoff
Kick off APIDA Heritage Month with us! Try your hand at ensō brush calligraphy, a meditative Japanese art form, and find your focus as finals season begins.

Friday, May 1, Malone 112, 9 a.m. PDT
APIDA Cram Jam
Come study, snack, and recharge with your community. Join us for APIDA Heritage Month as we power through finals together with good food, destress stations, and good company.

Saturday, May 2, VDA Family Suite at William H. Hannon Library, 5 p.m. PDT
Third API Alumni Association Unity Celebration
Join the Asian Pacific Islander Alumni Association (APIAA) for its third annual Unity Celebration, an evening dedicated to recognizing the achievements of Curtiss Takada Rooks, Ph.D., assistant professor, Asian Pacific American Studies, Michelle Legaspi '00, and Melissa Montemagni '02 for their impact on the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) community at LMU. The program also serves as a scholarship fundraiser supporting exceptional LMU APIDA undergraduates. Invite a guest and celebrate alongside fellow Lions, with special remarks from LMU President Thomas Poon, Ph.D. Tickets required.

Tuesday, May 5, St. Rob's Auditorium, 10 a.m. PDT
FandangObon Dance Workshop
Join us for a dance workshop that brings together the Japanese Obon, Latine, and African music into one circle.

Tuesday, May 5, University Hall 1859, 6 p.m. PDT
TOMODACHI Inouye Scholars Program Final Presentations
Join us as our eight TOMODACHI Inouye Scholars present their research, reflections, and experiences from this semester's program.

Tuesday, May 5 - Thursday, May 7, Malone 112, 9 a.m. PDT
APIDA Cram Jam
Come study, snack, and recharge with your community! Join us for APIDA Heritage Month as we power through finals together with good food, destress stations, and good company.

Friday, May 8, Malone 112, 9 a.m. PDT
APIDA Cram Jam
Come study, snack, and recharge with your community. Join us for APIDA Heritage Month as we power through finals together with good food, destress stations, and good company.

Thursday, May 14, Life Sciences Building Auditorium, 3:30 p.m. PDT
Class of 2026 APIDA Grad Ceremony
Join us for the annual APIDA Grad on Thursday, May 14, at 3:30 p.m. in LSB Auditorium, followed by a reception on the Hannon Courtyard. Free and open to all. Graduates must RSVP by May 3.