The Asian American and Pacific Islander Association may have disappeared for a
The Asian American and Pacific Islander Association may have disappeared for a few years at University of Idaho, but now it’s back and in full swing.
As part of Moms Weekend, AAPIA will host hypnotist Christopher Pemberton at 4:30 p.m. today in the Student Union Building ballroom.
Brian Vo, president of the UI chapter of AAPIA, said they decided to bring the hypnotist to campus to increase cultural awareness and promote their club.
“The art of hypnotism actually originated in India, but mostly it’s just a fun event that everyone can be interested in regardless of cultural background,” Vo said.
Pemberton has performed at UI several times before, in addition to performing at colleges and universities all across the western U.S. for more than 10 years.
AAPIA only has a few members right now, so the event will also serve to recruit new ones. Delfino Osorio Garcia, a member of AAPIA, said the club expects to double its membership by the end of the semester.
“We don’t want to be stereotyped as only doing Asian events, we want break the mold and be accessible to all people on campus,” Osorio Garcia said.
Crossing boundaries, both culturally and racially, is the primary mission of AAPIA.
Vo said people of all cultures are welcome to join the club, not just Asians and Pacific Islanders.
“Asia shares many cultural aspects with the rest of the world, and we really want to showcase that,” Vo said.
In addition to being active on campus, AAPIA also regularly works with the Washington State University chapter and other organizations in the area, especially during the club’s “Culture Shock” show in the fall.
AAPIA is also planning a luau for next fall that will showcase the club’s Pacific Islander influence. The luau will have traditional food, dancing and other events.
“This event will mix it up and show a different side to our organization,” Vo said.