H4A is proud to help carry forward the tradition of the Pan-Asian Affinity Graduation Celebration. For more information about the 2026 celebration, including stole purchase and celebration tickets, click HERE.

 

Who is this for?

You may hear several terms used throughout our community, including APIDA (Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American), AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander), and Pan-Asian. While terminology continues to evolve, our goal is to foster an inclusive celebration that reflects the diversity of the broader Asian and Asian diaspora communities. If the term “Asian” resonates with your identity or lived experience, you are welcome to participate in the celebration and/or purchase a stole.

History

Affinity graduation celebrations for Harvard’s Asian community have existed since 2011. In 2022, following advocacy from students and a coalition of more than 30 organizations, Harvard held its first official university-wide AAPI affinity graduation celebration, reflecting the community’s longstanding desire for greater visibility and representation. In the years that followed, more than 1,100 students and family members participated annually.

 

 

In 2025, amid broader legal and political scrutiny surrounding race-conscious programming, Harvard discontinued funding for the celebration. In response, H4A worked closely with students and alumni across the university, raising $20,000 to help preserve the tradition. Together, the community distributed 1,050 heritage stoles worn proudly throughout Commencement Week and organized an independent celebration attended by more than 500 students, alumni, families, faculty, and supporters.

 

2026 Affinity Celebration

  • Organizing Committee: Eva Camp (AB ‘89), Lillian Chang (LLM ‘14, EdM ‘24), An Hoang (MAR ‘22), Athena Lao (AB ‘12), Lianna Fogg (EdM ‘26), Chloe Heng (EdM ‘26)

2025 Affinity Celebration

  • Recording

    • Emcee - Athena Lao, H4A President (AB '12)

    • Bachelor’s speaker - Vivian T. Nguyen (AB ‘25)

    • Masters speaker - Jared T. Shum (AM ‘25)

    • Doctoral speaker - Pauline L. Nuth (DrPH ‘25)

    • Alumni speaker - Darshak Sanghavi, H4A Global Board Member (AB ’92)

  • Select Photos (courtesy of Wes Verge)

  • Organizing Committee: Jessica Baynes (EdM ‘25), Camille Choe (MPP ‘24), An Hoang (MAR ‘22), Auds Jenkins (MDV ‘24), Athena Lao (AB ‘12), Pauline Nuth (DrPH ‘25), Jared Shum (AM ‘25), and Chloe Yoon (EdM ‘25)

 

References