AAST Publishes 2025-2026 Annual Report

AAST just published the program’s 2025-2026 Annual Report, which opens with a Director’s Note from Dr. Janelle Wong.

During the 2025–26 academic year, the Asian American Studies Program (AAST) advanced its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, serving 646 students in 22 classes and celebrating 39 graduating minors. AAST elevated its regional footprint by hosting an academic convening with local Asian American Studies programs across the DMV, launching an interdisciplinary fall film series, and premiering its 25th-anniversary documentary, Tomorrow's World Is Yours to Build. Highlighting the strength of its community, this milestone film was conceptualized and directed by an AAST alumna, exemplifying the program's enduring legacy of student-led leadership. Furthermore, hosting award-winning filmmaker Jon Osaki for a screening of Making Waves: The Rise of Asian America underscored AAST’s commitment to advancing the broader field of ethnic studies through a distinctly Asian American lens. Supported by the Juanita Tamayo Lott Endowment and key campus partnerships, AAST enriched public discourse through dynamic lectures and panels highlighting public service, while welcoming Calvin J. Li Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Wenxi Yang to expand specialized course offerings. Together, these activities underscore AAST's role in cultivating student leaders, strengthening regional scholarly networks, and advancing the university’s mission of inclusive excellence.

Read through the entire 2025-2026 Annual Report to learn more about courses and enrollment, program highlights and recognition, our newest community members, scholarship recipients, and students who graduated with the AAST minor this year!