This May, Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education recognize Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to honor the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of AANHPI communities across the United States and around the world.
AANHPI Heritage Month offers an opportunity to reflect on the richness and complexity of AANHPI identities, shaped by a wide range of languages, traditions, and lived experiences. It also invites us to recognize the profound and lasting impact AANHPI individuals have made across disciplines, including science and technology, education, healthcare, public service, the arts, and community leadership. These contributions continue to shape innovation, advance knowledge, and strengthen communities locally and globally.
First established as a week-long observance in 1978 and later expanded to a full month in 1992, May was intentionally chosen to mark significant moments in AANHPI history, including the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, built in large part by Chinese laborers. These milestones serve as reminders of both the foundational role AANHPI communities have played in the development of the nation and the challenges they have faced throughout history.
At WPI, we proudly celebrate the achievements and contributions of AANHPI students, faculty, staff, and alumni who enrich our campus through their leadership, scholarship, creativity, and innovation. Their work and presence play a vital role in shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking community.
Stem Scholar Highlights:
- Kalpana Chawla (Aerospace Engineering / NASA Astronaut)
- Chien-Shiung Wu (Experimental Physics (“First Lady of Physics”))
- Flossie Wong-Staal (Virology (HIV research pioneer))
- Harsha Rayapati (Aerospace Engineer)
- Peter Tsai (Material Scientist)
Read, Watch, Listen and Learn
- Explore the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center online
- Read the Journal of Asian American Studies via Gordon C. Library
- Explore AAPI curated resources
- Learn more about Polynesian Culture
- Listen to Podcasts that Center AAPI Experiences
- Explore PBS’s Collection: The Asian American and Pacific Islander Experience
- Learn about Asian American milestones
Act
- Support and get involved with The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission
- Support the Society of Native Hawaiian Engineers
- Support the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum
- Register to Vote -OR- Check Your Voter Registration
- Everything you need to vote. Vote.org
- Become a Poll Worker
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees student-facing learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.
