Wayne State University has issued proclamations recognizing May as Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month and Military Appreciation Month, in alignment with national recognitions by the U.S. Department of State.
“It is important that we continually honor, celebrate and support our diverse students, faculty and staff, including those from our Asian American and Pacific Islander, Jewish American and military communities,” said WSU President Kimberly Andrews Espy. “Wayne State is a welcoming, pluralistic university because of broad and deep contributions of these communities to our institution.”
Dean of Students David Strauss added, "It is a joy to celebrate the richness of our student and employee diversity and add these recognitions to our campus traditions.”
Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month
The month of May was chosen to represent Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Month as it marks immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States in 1843 and Golden Spike Day, which celebrates the completion of the transcontinental railroad that was built with significant contributions from Chinese workers. AAPI Heritage Month celebrates the historical and cultural contributions of people with AAPI descent to the United States.
Wayne State is proud to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an Asian American and Pacific Islander Minority Serving Institution. Faculty, staff and students within the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities have enhanced our campus with invaluable and intellectual achievements.
As AAPI month began at the end of the academic year, the Wayne State Office of Multicultural Student Engagement h a series of events in April exploring AAPI history, identity, culture and health to create space and celebrate the campus’ AAPI members.
Jewish American Heritage Month
On April 20, 2006, President George W. Bush announced that May would be Jewish American Heritage Month to recognize Jewish contributions to American culture. May was chosen after the success of the 350th Anniversary of American Jewish History in May 2004.
At Wayne State, a special exhibit of decorative, ritual and household objects from Jewish-American homes — “Judaism in the American Home” — was featured in the David Adamany Undergraduate Library earlier this month. The exhibit was co-sponsored by the University Library System and the Cohn-Haddow Center for Judaic Studies, which has served as a cooperative venture providing programming, resources and academic leadership between Wayne State and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit/United Jewish foundation since 1988.
National Military Appreciation Month
The US Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 to give the nation an opportunity to publicly show their appreciation for troops past and present. It serves as a reminder of the great sacrifice and service of our military personnel.
“Through our Office of Military and Veterans Academic Excellence, Wayne State is privileged to serve as an educational home for many veterans and be a small part of their journey,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Laurie Lauzon Clabo. “We honor and support all those who have served."
Wayne State’s Colonel Gregory Gadson Office of Military and Veterans Academic Excellence (OMVAE) offers comprehensive support for student veterans year-round. Additionally, Wayne State’s TRIO Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) supports veterans as they return from service by providing free educational services, including classes and career preparation, to veterans throughout Michigan. Established at Wayne State in 1973, VUB is among 60 federal programs in the country, and one of only two in Michigan, designed by the Department of Education to support veterans following their term of service.