The Asian Pacific American Student Organization kicks off its annual fall conference today with the theme “APASObilities.”

“Our theme comes from the fact that anything is possible,” said APASO secretary Stephanie Moy, an elementary education sophomore.

Moy said the purpose of the conference is to spread Asian-American culture to the MSU community and increase awareness.

“We want to help the whole campus, not just Asian Americans,” she said. “We’re going to voice our opinion that we need an Asian (American) studies program, and a free-standing multicultural center,” Moy said.

Last year, the Black Student Alliance rallied for the same purpose.

“Whatever they do, it depends on them and their actions, and if they’re doing something different,” said Stephanie King, BSA black caucus director. Moy said the issue of a free-standing multicultural center has been discussed among many minority organizations.

“We’re aware of what they’ve done,” she said. “All we’ve got is a room in the basement of the Union. We try to tell that to the university every chance we get.”

King said she wishes APASO the best of luck in its efforts, and hopes to continue to build a coalition with other groups.

Moy said that APASO has been working with BSA, Culturas de las Razas Unidas, the Native American and Indian Student Organization and other Asian groups to accomplish their goals.

“We’re trying to unite all the groups together, and work as a community,” she said.

During the weekend events, APASO will feature speaker Sarina Jain, who created a fitness video by incorporating Bhangra, an Indian dance, into a workout.

There also will be workshops on Asian-American culture in the Union, and a banquet with the founders of Giant Robot, an Asian pop-culture magazine.

Moy said the founders of the magazines are a reflection of this year’s theme.

“They created a magazine, and it’s very successful. It just shows that anything is possible,” she said.

For more information, visit www.apaso.msu.edu, or contact APASO at (517)432-7153.