Director Message

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Academic Year 2024-2025

To the UIC Community:

On behalf of the AARCC Team, I welcome you to a new semester! Here are some exciting things happening at AARCC this academic year:

AARCC Celebrates 20 Years at UIC

The center opened its doors in April 2005 and, for nearly 20 years, has engaged UIC students, faculty, staff and the Chicagoland community through programs, services, partnerships and curricula using an Asian American lens.  To commemorate 20 years at UIC, AARCC is kicking off its “Race to 20” fundraiser to raise funds to assist with AARCC's programs and services. To make a “Race to 20” donation or for more information, please visit: go.uic.edu/20.

Also, AARCC will hold its 20th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, April 17, 2025 in room 301 of Student Center East (SCE), located at 750 S. Halsted. The UIC community is invited, including alumni and Chicago partners, to attend this event. Look for more information and be sure to RSVP starting in January 2025 at go.uic.edu/20.

AAARC Delivers Cultural Programs and Events

Throughout the academic year, AARCC will host a number of cultural programs and events that explore identities and intersectionality, primarily through an Asian American lens. To stay up-to-date, be sure to  subscribe to AARCC News or follow us on Instagram - @uicaarcc.

Our first official event will be the AARCC Open House (723 W. Maxwell) on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 from 3pm to 5pm. Join us for “Cookies, Karaoke, and Catalysts for Change” and learn about our services, programs, and history. Stay later for “AARCC After Dark” for more karaoke and engagement! The Open House is a great opportunity to meet other professional staff, graduate assistants, and student employees who make up the amazing AARCC Team!

AARCC Continues Collaborations with Asian American Campus Units

AARCC is proud of its strong relationships with other Asian American units like the UIC Global Asian Studies (GLAS) who offers a number of courses, a major, and a minor; the Asian American Student Academic Program (AASAP) who provides academic services, advising, and support; and the UIC AANAPISI Initiative who supports the recruitment, retention, and graduation of Asian American and Pacific Islander students. Collectively, these units reflect the strong presence of Asian American students, staff, and faculty on campus and the richness of how Asian American culture, knowledge, and curricula positively impact the academic experience of the UIC community.

AARCC Continues to Commit to Culture and Social Change

AARCC continues its cultural work by extensively working with its center-siblings the Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change (CCUSC). Visit each center’s website to learn about them and what they have to offer. Collectively, these centers engage students, staff, and faculty and contribute to their academic and professional success through cultural engagement.

As you can see, AARCC is very busy this year. I invite you to engage with us and visit us at 723 W Maxwell. Best of luck in the new academic year!

With regards,

Mark R. Martell, PhD

Executive Director