On Tuesday, Oct. 10, CU Denver celebrated its Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) designation and its potential to provide these students the necessary support, guidance, and services needed to become the next generation of leaders.
The federal status is granted to institutions where at least 10 percent of their undergraduates identify as Asian Americans or Native American Pacific Islanders, and who meet other Pell-eligible requirements. The universities must also demonstrate their commitment to supporting these students through sustained academic and comprehensive services.
Vice Chancellor for DEI Antonio Farias kicked off the event and introduced Shauna Medeiros-Tuilaepa, a member of the Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission and Colorado Asian Pacific United, as well as the owner of No Ke Aloha, a Polynesian cuisine catering company. Medeiros-Tuilaepa recited an oli, a traditional Hawaiian chant.
The event featured dances by the Philippine American Society of Colorado dance troupe and recognition of some key community partners. CU Denver Chancellor Michelle Marks, CU President Todd Saliman, and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston all spoke, and were joined on stage by Board of Regents Nolbert Chavez and Lesley Smith.
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