Dear Spartans,

More than 15 years ago, the United States Congress created the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) program for colleges and universities. Intended to improve both the availability and quality of higher education for low-income, first generation Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander (AANAPI) students, the program is particularly important at San José State, where more than one-third of our students self-identify in at least one of these categories.

This week, SJSU is among many colleges and universities recognizing AANAPISI Week, highlighting the importance, accomplishments and needs of these communities. While it may be a nationwide celebration, AANAPISI Week takes on a unique meaning here at San José State, where there are a variety of programs and events to support AANAPI students and employees all year long. Among them:

• Community events – including Native American Indigenous Fall Convocation, Asian and Pacific Islander Fall Welcome, and Making Waves: Asian and Pacific Islander Graduation – which bring the campus together to celebrate the cultural diversity and achievements of our AANAPI community
• The Center for Asian Pacific Islander Student Empowerment (CAPISE), which works with students year-round to provide co-curricular holistic support and cultural exploration through student-run programs
• Our newly opened Native American Indigenous Student Success Center (NAISSC), which aims to create an inclusive environment for all Native American Indigenous students (temporarily located in Clark Hall until its new home inside the Spartan Memorial Chapel is ready)
• The Native American Student Organization, a student-led organization which received the 2023 Cultural Student Organization of the Year award for the establishment of NAISSC
• The Native American and Indigenous Research Group, which is leading research on the Native American Indigenous Student Experience at SJSU
• Faculty and staff organizations, including the Asian Pacific Islander Faculty Staff Association (APIFSA) & Gathering of Academic Indigenous and Native Americans (GAIN)

I am proud of our designation as an AANAPISI, and of the services and resources available to our AANAPI students, faculty and staff. I am pleased to recognize this vibrant and vital part of our Spartan community, and look forward to learning and celebrating with you this week and beyond.

Sincerely,

Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson

President
(she/her/ella)