Press Release: March 17, 2002

AACC Named "Student Organization of the Year"

by Pius Wong

The Asian American Coalition Committee of UIC was honored with the "Student Organization of the Year" award for 2001-2002 during the Tuesday, April 16th, 30th Annual Chancellor's Student Awards ceremony.

This is the first year UIC has had the award, which was presented by Assistant Program Director of Campus Programs, Ms. Joey Hampton. AACC was chosen out of nine student organization applicants.

"We didn't even know this award was being announced that day. I was pleasantly surprised," AACC Secretary Catherine Kuo said. Kuo went up to receive the award on behalf of AACC during the ceremony.

"This is a symbol that the University recognizes the importance of what we're working for," Kuo explained. AACC received the award because of their efforts to fight for Asian American issues on campus. These efforts included lobbying the Department of English for two new hires in Asian American studies, obtaining a promise for an Asian American Resource and Cultural Center director, and coordinating Asian American Awareness Month 2002.

"This award greatly encourages AACC to keep fighting -- to not give up," AACC Treasurer Wen Chen said. "In addition, it shows recognition for other students and student groups who work for diversity on this campus."

Nancy Cirillo, AACC advisor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in English, was also one out of ten advisors nominated for "Advisor of the Year."

The Asian American Coalition Committee is an umbrella organization of Asian American student organizations at UIC. It aims to unify Asian American students to strengthen their voice on campus, to educate the entire UIC community about issues concerning Asian Americans, and to empower Asian American students through their gaining visibility and representation.