Otter Cross Cultural Center

Asian and Pacific Islander Graduation

Special Keynote- Phuong Nguyen

Phuong Nguyen is an assistant professor in the School of Humanities & Communication at CSUMB, where he teaches courses in U.S. History and Ethnic Studies. He is also the author of Becoming Refugee American: The Politics of Rescue in Little Saigon, which in many ways is a scholarly exploration of his own background as a refugee.

Born in Vietnam in 1975, Dr. Nguyen left with family in what historians call the Boat People exodus of the post-1975 period and wound up spending most of his life in the United States. He graduated from Monterey High School in 1994 and spent the next two decades learning, teaching, and growing in San Diego, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Ithaca. In the the process, he become the first person in his family to receive a B.A., an M.A. and a Ph.D., which would not have been possible without the support network of friends, family, teachers, and colleagues throughout his journey. It is these themes of extended family and community that Dr. Nguyen hopes to share in his keynote address to the Class of 2019.

Apply to be the API Student Keynote

Are you interested in applying to be the 2019 Asian and Pacific Islander Grad Student Keynote Speaker? Apply by March 1, 2019.

Information about the Asian and Pacific Islander Graduation will come soon!

Special Performances

Shinsho - Mugen Daiko

Shinsho - Mugen Daiko, founded in 1999, is a group of drummers who are interested in studying the art of Japanese drumming. The founding director, Ikuyo Conant, emphasizes cultivation of energy, self-awareness and social and personal harmony in Taiko drumming. The group introduces a contemporary style of Taiko drumming with movements and powerful sounds at community, cultural and school events in Monterey County and beyond.

Congratulations graduates of the Asian and Pacific Islander Graduation of 2018!

See some of the memorable moments of the Asian and Pacific Islander Graduation.