The Asian Student Union (ASU) is a club at Iowa State that is open to all students. Their goal is to build a sense of identity and community, as well as fostering leadership, celebrating tradition and prompting personal and group wellness.
Danton Dang, a junior at Iowa State and Vice President of ASU, gives insight into his experience in the ASU.
“I have made many friends through ASU, and the people I have connected to through ASU and VSA [Vietnamese Student Association] are now some of my best friends,” Dang said. “ASU helped me break out of my shell and helped me become the person I am proud of. I learned a lot about other cultures and customs through ASU and meeting so many different people.”
Diego Camarena, the multimedia officer for ASU, talks about his experience in ASU and how it has helped him build new bonds.
“My experience at ASU has been very positive in the past two years,” Camarena said. “I have had the privilege to make new memories and meet many new people.”
ASU hosts a variety of events throughout the school year to connect with their members and the community, honor important traditions and attract new members.
“ASU organizes a wide range of events,” Dang said. “We have hosted socials, sporting events, culture shows, professional/networking nights, competitions, game nights and even an EDM night.”
As the semester kicks into gear, there are many upcoming ASU events.
“We are planning to host a back-to-school social on Sept. 3,” Camarena said. “We will be posting more information soon.”
Along with the back-to-school event, the ASU has many fun-filled activities coming up in September.
“Our kickoff will be the week after ClubFest on Friday, Sept. 19, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in the SIC!” Dang said. “We have the whole first floor area reserved, and we will also have free ice cream, so make sure to pull up.”
If you would like to experience the ASU earlier than their kickoff general board meeting, they meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on the Central Campus lawn, between the Campanile, Beardshear and Curtiss. There will be grass volleyball, spikeball, small snacks and music.
ASU is open to all Iowa State students.
“I want to emphasize something significant: you don’t have to be Asian to join ASU!” Dang said. “I have so many non-Asian friends who were very hesitant to join and come to ASU events because they were scared that they didn’t belong or that they shouldn’t be there.”
“But we cannot stress this enough, everyone is welcome,” Dang said.
Both Dang and Camarena have very fond memories from events and activities from ASU.
“My favorite moment in ASU so far is the Thanksgiving potluck event because I was able to try new foods and spend time playing games with other members,” Camarena said.
Dang also shared his experience.
“My favorite experiences through this club are meeting new people and trying new things,” Dang said. “Since ASU encompasses all of Asia, we experience many different cultures from our other members. Due to this, I get to meet so many different people from so many different backgrounds.”
If you are interested in joining the ASU or would like to learn more, click here.
