Alumni Relations Coordinator:   Michael Amutan        

Email: Thaflipside@gmail.com

Major: Japanese, Minor: Asian American Studies

Year in school 2011-12: 4th [Transfer]

Other organizations: Nikkei Student Union [New Staff & C.A.C.S. committee member]

What compelled you to take up a leadership role in APC?
It was after NSU’s trip to Manzanar, one of the old Japanese concentration camps, that I was exposed to individuals who lived during that time and now work currently in the area to better the JA community. It led me to reflect upon my own understanding of community and why it is important, and to be honest, at the time I had no sound basis. It led me to pursue knowledge of what has and is transpiring around me, thus I recalled APC through invitations by Trung and Albert. I mean, I did take AAS classes and they did interest me, but for some reason it only hit me now just how important these issues are. As I will be a fourth year next year, my time is limited but it prompted me to take a role that had never been done before to challenge my capabilities. Alumni Coordinator appealed to me since I would be an Alumni myself soon, and it would be good to establish those links for myself and all of APC to see how those who have been apart of it influence their worlds post graduation. Inspirational at best, if not opportunity opening, I intend to do all I can to bring meaning to this position.