The Asian Student Union (ASU), a student organization at Iowa State, has become a place where students find connections and celebrate their identities. Since its revival in early 2024, ASU has grown into a gathering space for students from various backgrounds, all eager to find support and camaraderie. Recently, ASU hosted a fundraiser at 1+1 Restaurant in Ames, gathering members and raising funds for future events.
“I just wanted to spread more awareness and build the Asian community… in the past, it’s been lost, and now I feel like it’s the perfect time to bring it back, ” said Jaelyn Luong, a senior majoring in culinary food science. Luong further explained that ASU brings together students from all Asian and Asian-American identities on campus, creating a broader sense of unity.
ASU events aim to foster this belonging, from smaller gatherings to a large cultural festival planned for next spring.
“We’re planning for a big festival that expresses all the different Asian-American identities throughout Iowa State,” said Ethan Kono, a cybersecurity engineering major and ASU’s vice president. He explained that the festival will include cultural performances, food, and a fashion show.
“We want people to see all the different kinds of Asian cultures,” Kono said, “and to find connection through their culture.”
The club’s goal to create a welcoming environment resonates deeply with its members.
“ASU has a really great community. I hope people find something in ASU that makes them feel welcome at Iowa State,” said Trish Nguyen, a junior in apparel merchandising and design. Nguyen explained that ASU offers a unique place on campus to feel connected and part of something meaningful.
ASU’s activities are also a chance for members to grow personally and socially.
Aaron Luong, a sophomore in finance, said he joined ASU to meet others with similar backgrounds.
“I wanted to be more connected with my community… I came here because I wanted to be around people more like me,” Aaron Luong said.
“I hope people take away that it’s a club they feel proud to have been a part of,” Kono said.
With plans to bring people together through events and community-building, the Asian Student Union at Iowa State offers students a space to feel appreciated, connected and at home.
“Be more open to meeting people because you might feel alone and that there’s no one else like you, but there are, and once you let yourself experience those things then it becomes a whole new world for you,” Aaron Luong said.
For more information on the Asian Student Union, visit their website or follow their Instagram page.
