Each May, the United States recognizes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The federal observance shines a light on the history and achievements of Americans from more than 50 countries and regions within Asia and the Pacific Islands. The month of May was chosen to coincide with the first Japanese immigrants, who came to the United States on May 7, 1843. May also marks the anniversary of the May 10, 1869 completion of the transcontinental railroad—the majority of which was built by Chinese immigrants.
The Asian Pacific Alumni (APA) of Notre Dame invites the campus community to join them in observing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Throughout the month, 10 APA members will offer Daily Gospel Reflections through Faith ND, the spiritual outreach program of the University of Notre Dame Alumni Association. Jeremy Dela Cruz ’15, ’19, APA chair, provided the first reflection on May 5.
In addition, alumni, students, faculty, and staff are invited to take part in:
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May 14: Justice for All: A Conversation with Justice Mary Yu JD '93, 6 p.m., virtual
APA and ARC ND, the Alumni Rainbow Community of Notre Dame, will host an energizing conversation with Washington State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu JD '93, a trailblazing jurist and proud graduate of Notre Dame Law School. As Washington state’s first Asian, Latina, and LGBTQ State Supreme Court Justice, Justice Yu brings a powerful voice to the bench and to the broader conversation about equity, representation, and the role of the judiciary in advancing justice for all. -
May 17: Inaugural Presentation of the José Eduardo Valdes Impact Award at the Asian and Pacific Islander Recognition Ceremony, 9 a.m. Washington Hall, Auditorium
For more than a decade, APA has honored outstanding Asian Pacific Islander graduates with the APA Student Leadership Award. This year, the award is being renamed in honor of Notre Dame alumnus José Eduardo Valdes, a law major who in 1906 became Notre Dame's first Asian graduate. The Impact Award celebrates Valdes and the generations of students and alumni carrying his legacy forward.
Read below for examples of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander perspectives and research from across the University:
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Resources on anti-Asian discrimination – The Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies has curated a collection of articles, videos, and tools to raise awareness about and combat Asian discrimination.
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Celebrating our Asian Pacific Alumni (collection) – The Notre Dame Alumni Association looks back at some of the University’s outstanding Asian and Pacific Islander alumni who have dedicated their professional and personal lives towards being a force for good in the world.
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“Contagious capitalism”: Keough School Dean Mary Gallagher shares research insights on law, labor and justice in China (article and video) – Mary Gallagher, the Marilyn Keough Dean of the Keough School of Global Affairs, delivered the fifth annual Justice and Asia Distinguished Lecture at the Liu Institute on April 8, drawing on her research expertise to share insights on law, labor and justice in China.
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2025 Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) Alumni Banquet – In March of this year, APALSA hosted its inaugural reunion gala, a milestone event celebrating community, progress, and leadership. The evening honored Judge Edward S. Kiel, a 1991 Notre Dame Law School graduate and current judge on the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. During his remarks, Judge Kiel spoke candidly about the importance of self-advocacy and the evolving role of Asian Americans in the legal field.
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The 14-year history of Notre Dame's Greater China Scholars program (article)
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First-Year Journey: Misa Muranaka '25 Finds Community, Explores Psychology and Biology (article)
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FirstGen@ND: Department of American Studies Professor Jennifer Huynh was the First in Her Family to Attend College (article)
Originally published by at weareall.nd.edu on May 05, 2025.