Reestablishing UCR’s API Alumni Network

After approximately three decades since their last assemblage, UC Riverside's Asian Pacific Islander (API) Alumni Network has been re-established. Eleven API-identifying, degreed Highlanders have made a minimum yearlong commitment to guide and support current API undergraduates and grad students.

Members used words like, "solidarity, connection, and pride" when asked why they joined.

UCR's Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, or AANAPISI, Committee initiated the search in spring 2023, sourcing members through interest forms sent via alumni communications.

Recommendations also came from William "Billy" Caganap, director of the Asian Pacific Student Program, who has kept in touch with many of his former students.

"Reviving the API Alumni Network was a key part of the AANAPISI Committee's mission to strengthen the API community across different groups at UCR," said Maite Zabala-Alday, senior executive director of Corporate and Foundation Relations and AANAPISI co-chair.

"With more than 39% of UCR's students identifying as API, the question isn't just about enrollment - it's about how we can truly support students in ways that matter," Zabala-Alday said. "Engaging alumni plays a big role in this effort to foster a stronger, more connected community."

API Alumni Network's 2024-25 action plan includes:

• Meeting with campus partners to gather data about the current population on campus

• Partnering with regional networks to host alumni events highlighting different Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American, cultures

• Establishing relationships with student organizations to offer mentorship

• Fundraising for the new AAPI Alumni, Faculty, Staff, and Friends Support Fund

"Any alum who expressed interest in the new network received a personal reach-out from me," said Tracy Telliard, director of Alumni Volunteer Engagement. "As a relatively new staff member here at UCR, it was so encouraging to meet with alumni who were eager to get involved and give back to the community. Through the course of several months, the board continued to grow and is cohesive and motivated. I am excited to support this group and its goals moving forward."

API Alumni Network members:

Alba

Grace Alba '94 | Master's degree in soil and environmental sciences | Natural History Interpreter II at Carnegie Museum of Natural History | Filipino

"I joined this network to encourage young AAPI students to consider UC Riverside for their education, and for AAPI students to be successful at UCR and beyond. I hope to be successful in this, working with other UCRAA-AAPI network members."

Areeckal

Susan Areeckal '01 | Bachelor's degree in political science/international affairs and history | Acute Care Psychiatric-Mental Health Registered Nurse II at Ventura County Medical Center's Inpatient Psychiatry Unit | South Indian, Malayalee

"I joined because I want to uplift the AAPI community and be part of a culturally conscious network that takes pride in our roots, how far our people have come, and the barriers they overcame. I hope to collaborate with others and help provide a pathway to careers in healthcare for current UCR AAPI students, and UCR AAPI Alumni. Specifically, with a focus on mental health."

Dumaguindin

Nicole Dumaguindin '11 | Bachelor's in neuroscience | Community Mental Health Promoter at SSG Asian Pacific Counseling & Treatment Centers | Filipino

"I joined as a way to give back to UCR, get connected to other alumni who may share the same struggles/experiences post grad, and stay updated on alumni matters in general. As I get more involved with the network, I'm discovering more about what my role is as an alumni to UCR as an institution and community. I may not be among the most traditionally considered 'successful' alumni, but I definitely have a story to tell about how my undergrad experience shaped my resilience throughout life after graduation. I joined as an act of gratitude and overall curiosity to what this journey with other Asian Pacific alumni can mean. I come into the alumni network understanding that as Asian Pacific Islanders we still face many systemic struggles as a 'model minority.' Whether it's career, passion, or sense of belonging I hope that our network can be a resource for Asian Pacific alumni from all walks of life and various graduating classes. I hope that our network can empower others to break the 'bamboo ceiling' in fields/positions we are disproportionately represented. I also hope that this network can be a space for us to celebrate our resilience and deepen our relationship with the university."

Tran

Peter Tran '13 | Bachelor's in languages and literatures/comparative literature | Student Engagement & Academic Administration Manager at New York University | Vietnamese American

"As a proud UCR alumnus deeply committed to fostering inclusive communities, I joined the AAPI Network to celebrate and amplify the shared heritage, achievements, and stories of Asian American and Pacific Islander alumni. I firmly believe in the power of connection and collective growth, and this network provides a meaningful way to remain engaged with UCR while contributing to the success of the AAPI community. My career is rooted in the community-building experiences I embraced as a student at UCR, which have shaped my understanding of solidarity and my dedication to creating spaces where others can find belonging and support. Through this network, I aim to foster meaningful relationships, mentor the next generation of AAPI leaders, and collaborate on initiatives that elevate AAPI voices professionally and personally. As one of the few Highlanders who have ventured to the Northeast (NYC), I embraced independence and pushing beyond geographic boundaries. I hope to share insights from my career journey while learning from the diverse experiences of fellow members to continue growing as a professional and advocate for equity and inclusion. Additionally, I aspire to build supportive communities for those who, like me, are far from home - creating spaces where they can find connection, belonging, and solidarity. I aim to inspire others to see opportunities beyond California and demonstrate that their post-graduation aspirations can span regions and horizons."

Other members: Leilane Buendia '84, Pranay Desai '04, Shefali D'sa '95, Junko Ruiz '06, Lianna Seui '22, Michelle Sheen '21, and Tony Yang '10

Support the AAPI Alumni, Faculty, Staff, and Friends Support Fund to sustain and enrich UC Riverside's vibrant AAPI community. Your contributions will fund scholarships, programs, and initiatives that celebrate and empower our community.

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