The Asian American Pacific Islander Organization (AAPIO) hosted a Welcome Back Kickback on Thursday evening to welcome new and returning members. 

There was a lot of ground to cover at this event as it was the first event of fall 2023 for AAPIO, and it did not disappoint. Students were able to meet the executive board, learn about the organization and enjoy food with other members. 

Jeremy Satyawan Putra, SU senior and one of three AAPIO execs, emphasized that the organization is open to all students on campus whether they are Asian American/Pacific Islander or not. He wants everyone to know that it is open to all who are interested in learning more about AAPIO and its culture. 

Putra and Skylar Walder, another exec and senior at SU, reactivated the organization around 2020 after it dissolved in the early 2000s. At the kickback, they stressed the importance of keeping AAPIO alive. 

“This year is all about setting a foundation for this organization,” Walder said. Walder and Putra are graduating this year, so gaining new and passionate members is crucial for the organization and its future at Shippensburg. 

Theo Campomanes is the only sophomore on the executive board for AAPIO, and he is very aware of the responsibility within this role. Campomanes reiterates the importance of building the organization’s foundation and following in the footsteps of Putra and Walder. 

This kickback was about more than simply keeping AAPIO alive. Many new members were able to learn about the organization’s purpose at SU and its values. First-year student Marjurie Igarta attended the event and discussed why she wants to join AAPIO.

“I get to meet new people,” Igarta said. “I want to join this club to make friends and be a part of a community.” 

This is only the beginning for AAPIO. To learn more students can follow @shipaapio on Instagram to stay updated on future events. 

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