Cypress College APIA Scholarship Recipient 2019-2020

Jan Danielle Cimeni is the Cypress College APIA scholarship recipient for 2019-2020. She was born in Cagayan de Oro in the Philippine Islands. Following her grandmother’s lead, her parents, Jan Danielle, and her brother immigrated to the United States when she was two years old. During her years at Cypress College, Jan Danielle earned a place on either the Dean’s or President’s Honor list with GPAs over 3.75 or 3.5. While maintaining her high GPA, she volunteered in a Christian organization by visiting nursing homes and helping to feed the homeless. On campus, Jan Danielle served as a mentor in the STEM2 program familiarizing new students with Cypress College and cementing friendships that enriched both herself and the students. On top of her numerous campus and community obligations, Jan Danielle also worked in fast food restaurants and as an after-school camp instructor. As a camp instructor, Jan Danielle engaged grade school students in science activities while keeping vigilant watch over them.

Next year, Jan Danielle will attend Cal State Dominguez Hills in the Clinical Science program. The pandemic has deepened her desire to obtain her degree in Clinical Science and to eventually work in laboratories to find cures to diseases and help the world of medicine progress.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

This month is Asian Pacific Heritage Month. For more information, visit the Library of Congress Asian Pacific American Heritage Month website.

Cypress College 2018-2019 APIA Scholarship Recipient

Vishal Sunny Mehta is the Cypress College 2018-2019 APIA Scholarship recipient. Despite extreme hardships including losing his parents at a young age then being abandoned in France by his foster parents, Sunny earned his nickname by maintaining an easy-going demeanor and a desire to help others. He is working on a degree in engineering or molecular neuroscience, but whatever he decides, Sunny's plan includes working with Latino young people and helping them reach higher education goals. Sunny volunteered  for the LAPD Eye and Ear program to prevent crimes in the community and also to help illegal immigrant crime victims. While keeping up his grades to make the Dean's Honor list, Sunny also volunteered at the Cypress College food bank and as a STEM scholar helping students enrolled in science classes.  

Fullerton College APIA Scholarship Recipient for 2018-2019

Shizhe (Shane) Fan immigrated to the United States when he was 8 years old. His family struggled to make ends meet while adapting to their new country. Shane found a home in libraries, reading books daily while learning English. His love for books and reading translated into becoming an English major at Fullerton College. While earning a 4.0, Shane also became a tutor in the Writing Center, the president of the Psychology Club, and secretary of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Shane is also an accomplished musician, playing trumpet in the Fullerton College Jazz Band as well as the college's Symphony Orchestra. In 2018, Shane was also invited to perform at the Lincoln Center in New York. 

NOCE APIA Scholarship Recipient 2018-2019

Herllaine Asistio is the first APIA scholarship recipient at the North Orange Continuing Education program. APIA expanded its scholarship program to include NOCE students during the 2018-2019 academic year. Herllaine took classes in the Medical Assistant program in pursuit of her goal to become a nurse or nurse practitioner. The COPE Health Scholar Program from St. Joseph’s of Orange was the biggest influence in shaping her career path. Herllaine completed 300 hours of volunteering in the COPE program which gave her invaluable experience in the various departments including oncology, pediatrics, and emergency care.  After experiencing the impact of dementia in her own family, Herllaine plans to specialize in caring for dementia patients.

APIA will be holding a social mixer and membership drive on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, at the New Moon Restaurant, 7620 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Approximate cost will be $25 for family style sharing. Hope you can come!

8th Annual Asian Pacific Islander Forum
Wednesday, October 24, 2018

The Asian/Pacific Islander Faculty & Staff Association (APIA), the Cadena Cultural Center and the NOCCCD Office of Diversity and Compliance sponsored:

8th Annual Asian Pacific Islander Forum
Wednesday, October 24
11:45am-1:30pm
In the Fullerton College Center, Room 224-8

Celebrating Pilipinx-American History Month and the contributions of the Pilipinx American community in honor of Larry Itliong Day (Oct. 25).
With guest speakers from “Search to Involve Pilipino Americans” (SIPA).

84 students and 16 staff attended the forum!