North Park’s student cultural organizations provide connection and education.
By Megan Gilmore BA ’05, MA ’13, MNA ’13
For nearly 70 years, student cultural groups at North Park University have provided connection and education on campus, embodying the university’s intercultural distinctive. From the Black Student Union (BSU) founded in 1956, to more recent additions like the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and the Middle Eastern Student Association, to the Scandinavian Student Association that ties closely to the university’s roots, these groups play a vital role in campus life, reflecting the rich tapestry of the student body.
“We want to create an environment that is welcoming and feels like home away from home for international students.”
—Mahnoor Uddin, SASA President
There are 10 currently active cultural organizations supported by the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life, each growing out of student desire to connect their cultural heritage with their educational community. Hundreds of students participate in these groups, from casual get-togethers to large events highlighting important cultural and religious celebrations. Many events are open to the broader campus community, like the recent Lunar New Year celebration led by the East Asian Student Association or BSU’s February celebrations for Black History Month.
Weaving North Park’s intercultural tapestry
To kick off each semester, student cultural organizations are introduced as a central part of campus life at Viking Fair. Filling Hamming Hall, each student club can interact with others looking for a place to plug in.
BSU is the oldest active cultural group on campus. Its legacy of advocacy and education has carried through to its current membership. “We’re committed to building a community,” said current BSU President David Wortham. We want to provide not only fun and social events but also educational ones that focus on Black excellence.”
Earning the designation of a Hispanic Serving Institution in 2020, at least 25% of the university’s undergraduate student body is Hispanic. LASO leads the celebration of many cultures in ways that are accessible to the entire student body, from music, food, and dance to history and current social events.
“LASO has played a significant role in promoting awareness and appreciation of Latin American culture,” current President Yamileth Gonzalez said.
“We serve as an advocate for the needs of Latin American students. The organization works to amplify voices, address issues, and fight for inclusivity.”
—Yamileth Gonzalez, LASO President
Many of the Asian-focused organizations are more recent additions to the community, reflecting the changing student body demographics. Dr. Boaz Johnson, professor of Hebrew, Bible, and Theological Studies, helped students create the South Asian Student Association (SASA) in 2007 as the country was still healing from the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Muslims, many of them from South Asian countries, faced hostilities in their daily lives. Johnson wanted to provide a place for students to interact with their religions, culture, history, and current events while engaging in peace and reconciliation experiences.
“SASA has organized and celebrated religious and cultural festivals of Sikhs, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. It has enabled newly immigrated students and second-generation immigrant students to celebrate each other, irrespective of religious and linguistic differences,” Johnson said.
“All of our events are always open to the entire campus. Everyone is welcome,” added SASA President Mahnoor Uddin.
Creating a home away from home
North Park’s student cultural organizations provide a welcome landing spot for students during their college experience. The groups gather regularly for organized events, but members also organically build support networks and lifelong friendships. Faculty and staff advisors provide guidance, a listening ear, and encouragement.
“We want to create an environment that is welcoming and feels like home away from home for international students and a new experience for students who don’t know about South Asian culture,” Uddin said.
“We try to support members by checking in at our biweekly meetings, making sure they know they’re cared for,” Wortham said of the BSU members. “If an issue does arise for one of our members, we offer help to get them the resources they need.”
The East Asian Student Association (EASA) was formed in 2008, creating a new sense of community for many students. Co-Presidents Vy Pham and Melissa Vinluan were drawn to the group because it felt like home. “I’m a commuter student, and I first heard of EASA through social media. I saw ‘East Asian’ and thought, ‘it’s me!’” Vinluan said.
Pham discovered EASA through Viking Fair. “I didn’t have a lot of Asian friends when I first came to North Park, which made me feel lonely. I went to Viking Fair the first week and looked specifically for Asian student associations. It was in 2020, so lots of changes were happening in the world, and it was comforting to know there was a group for me.”
“We see each other every day on campus for casual get togethers. We study together… it’s like family,” she added.
“Our community is so open, welcoming to people whether you’re Asian or not,” Vinluan said. “It’s part of our culture to be welcoming to people who want to join.”
“LASO creates a safe environment for students to make new connections…and find a voice on campus,” Gonzalez said. “LASO at North Park has opened opportunities for students to create skills that will prepare them for the work force and encourage students to stand up as Latinos.”
Ultimately, fostering this sense of belonging and community is vital in how North Park’s cultural organizations help to shape lives on campus and to prepare students for the next steps on their journeys after graduation.