PAACH @ 25: Fostering Community & Inspiring Leaders
Honoring 25 Years of the Pan-Asian American Community House at Penn
Since its founding in 2000, the Pan-Asian American Community House (PAACH) has served as a vibrant center for community building, cultural expression, advocacy, and leadership development at Penn. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, we invite you to reflect on our shared legacy and join us in envisioning the future of Asian Pacific Islander (API) solidarity and leadership on campus and beyond.
From art and storytelling to thought-provoking speaker programs, inspiring panels, and alumni gatherings, our anniversary programming highlights the many ways PAACH has fostered connection, advocacy, and leadership across generations. Whether you engaged with PAACH as a student, alumnus, faculty or staff member, or community supporter, this milestone honors your role in shaping our community, and we hope you’ll join us in celebrating this meaningful moment.
We especially invite you to join us for our 25th Anniversary Celebration & Reception on Saturday, November 8 (Homecoming Weekend), 2025, at the ARCH Building.
👉 Please RSVP here to let us know you’ll be attending!
On This Page
PAACH 25th Anniversary
Celebration & Reception
Join us for PAACH’s 25th Anniversary Celebration & Reception!
The Pan-Asian American Community House (PAACH) at the University of Pennsylvania is proud to commemorate 25 years of building community, fostering leadership, and uplifting voices across the Penn campus and beyond.
We warmly invite students, alumni, staff, faculty, and friends to our 25th Anniversary Celebration & Reception on:
Saturday, November 8, 2025
12:00 – 2:00 PM
ARCH Building
Enjoy an afternoon of connection and celebration as we honor PAACH’s legacy and look ahead to the future.
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/PAACH25th
We look forward to celebrating this special milestone with you!
Additional Programs
PAACH Mural 2025
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
12:00 – 1:00 PM
ARCH Building Main Lobby
In celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and the kickoff of the Pan-Asian American Community House (PAACH) 25th Anniversary, we invite you to the unveiling of the PAACH Mural 2025. Join us for a community celebration and a catered lunch.
Click the Penn Today article to read more about the event and the PAACH Mural, “1,000 Paper Cranes Mandala.”
Paper Crane Making Workshop
August / September 2025
Join us for a relaxing and creative Paper Crane Making Workshop in celebration of the PAACH Community Mural! Come fold cranes with us, add your touch to the mural’s message of unity and transformation, and enjoy some delicious boba while connecting with community. No experience needed—all materials provided!
A random selection of paper cranes will be chosen to receive a special prize during our PAACH 25th Anniversary Celebration!
From APSC to PAACH:
The Evolution of API Advocacy at Penn (Panel 1)
Friday, October 3, 2025
12 pm – 2 pm
ARCH 108 & ARCH Lobby
Alumni Panel: 12 PM – 1:15 PM
Reception and Mixer: 1:15 pm – 2:00 pm
This panel traces the legacy of student leadership and cross-campus advocacy that gave rise to APSC, PAACH, and other vital API spaces at Penn. Featuring alumni who helped organize, mobilize, and advocate for greater representation, the conversation will highlight the collective efforts of students, staff, and faculty that not only led to the founding of Asian Pacific Student Coalition(APSC) and PAACH, but also fueled the ongoing growth and evolution of API advocacy and community-building on campus. Moderated by a current APSC leader, the panel bridges generations of activism, reflection, and vision for the future.
A multigenerational conversation with alumni reflecting on 30 years of APSC and 25 years of PAACH—and how students, staff, and faculty have built and continue to grow API advocacy and community at Penn.
Lights, Camera, Storytelling: A Fireside Chat with Award-Winning Journalist, MSNBC/NBC News Anchor, and Documentary Filmmaker Richard Lui
October 2025
Join us for a special fireside chat with Richard Lui—award-winning journalist, MSNBC/NBC News anchor, and documentary filmmaker
Facilitated by Karu Kozuma, Vice Provost for University Life, this dynamic conversation will explore the intersections of identity, storytelling, and leadership.
Richard Lui shares insights from his 30-year career in journalism, including his historic role as the first Asian American male to anchor a daily national cable news broadcast. His acclaimed documentaries Sky Blossom and Unconditional highlight powerful stories of caregiving, mental health, and the Asian American experience. A civil rights reporter and bestselling author, Richard uses storytelling to amplify marginalized voices and explore the impact of selflessness. His perspective is shaped by a background in tech, an MBA from Michigan, and his journey as a first-generation Asian American.
From PAACH to Purpose: Where Community Begins, and Impact Continues
(Panel 2)
Saturday, November 8, 2025.
12 pm – 2 pm
ARCH Lobby (Reception)
ARCH 208 (Programs)
25th Anniversary Reception: 12 PM – 12:40 PM
Programs (Alumni panel included): 12:45 PM – 2:00 PM
This special PAACH 25th Anniversary panel features alumni whose deep involvement with PAACH and other Asian Pacific Islander (API) spaces at Penn has profoundly shaped their personal and professional journeys. These dedicated advocates continue to champion PAACH’s mission through mentorship, advocacy, philanthropy, and leadership. Their stories reflect what it means to build community with purpose and lead with lasting impact.
Student Alumni Mixer
Saturday, November 8, 2025
More details to follow.
Leading Beyond Penn:
API Changemakers Across Industries (Panel 3)
Spring 2026
This culminating panel showcases Asian Pacific Islander (API) alumni who have made their mark across industries – from business and public service to education, media, tech, and more. These changemakers reflect on their journeys, share lessons learned, and offer insights to current students on navigating identity, overcoming barriers, and leading with purpose in their professional lives.
PAACH Community Mural
Paper Crane Activity & Raffle
- Refer to the Step-by-Step Paper Crane Guide. You can also watch a YouTube video on how to fold a paper crane. Only use the silver origami paper provided by PAACH.
- Before folding your paper crane: Please use the fine-point black Sharpie provided by PAACH. On the plain side of the silver origami paper, write your response to the question: “What is your dream for the next generation of the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community in the U.S.? Include your full name and Penn email (or personal email).
- Fold your paper crane. Once you are done folding, write the following: On one wing, write your Full Name (including Class Year, if applicable). On the other wing, write one value you live by.
- Submit your paper crane! Place your completed silver paper crane in the designated container. Your paper crane will be added to the PAACH Community Mural.
NOTE: A random selection of paper cranes will be chosen to receive a special prize during our PAACH 25th Anniversary Celebration! We will contact you using the email address you provided. Thank you!
PAACH 25th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight Program and Panels
The PAACH 25th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight Program and Panels will feature a total of 10-12 alumni in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 over three separate panels, with each cohort centered around a theme that reflects different aspects of PAACH’s legacy and mission.
History
In the fall of 1999, an ad hoc committee of the 1999-2000 Asian Pacific Student Coalition board launched a campus-wide campaign for a Pan-Asian American resource center. The SPEAKOUT! Rally was organized to gain support and publicity for this initiative. Petitions were also circulated to push for the creation of this resource center.
On November 15th, 1999 a large group of students demanded a meeting with then President, Dr. Judith Rodin. A declaration from APSC and constituent groups, campus groups, and coalitions was presented for the need of the APA resource center.
A preliminary PAACH proposal was submitted to the University President on November 24. In February, student, staff, and faculty supporters met with the President to discuss the implementation of the proposal. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Office of the President committed to the establishment of the Pan Asian American Community House at Penn.
The Grand Opening of PAACH was on November 11th, 2000 – only a year after the SPEAKOUT! Rally, and PAACH signature programs soon followed.
More info about PAACH’s history here.