AARCC Staff

 

Karen Su, Director
Phone: 312-413-7696     Email: karensu@uic.edu

Karen provides the main administrative leadership for AARCC and develops collaborations with Academic Affairs to advance diversity-related education and advocacy on campus. She is one of the co-principal investigators on the UIC AANAPISI Initiative. Before joining UIC, Karen was the founding director of University of Pennsylvania’s Pan-Asian American Community House (PAACH) and she served as Assistant Director of the Asian American Studies Program there. She has taught and helped to develop Asian American studies at campuses on both coasts and here at UIC. A second-generation Chinese American, Karen grew up in Massachusetts.

 

Jeffrey Alton, Visiting Associate Director
Phone: 312-413-9653      Email: jalton@uic.edu

Jeffrey oversees the Asian American Mentor Program (AAMP), creates, implements, and assesses programming and workshops that focus on the Asian American experience, and advises student organizations. He comes to UIC from his alma mater, the University of Connecticut, where he worked at the Asian American Cultural Center focusing on alumni development and grantwriting. Prior to working at UConn, he was the Assistant Director of the Office of Multicultural Services and Programs at the University of Georgia. Jeffrey is a second-generation multiracial Filipino American, who grew up in Connecticut.

 

Elvin Chan, Assistant Director
Phone: 312-413-9569     Email: eychan@uic.edu

Elvin manages the administrative side of AARCC which includes finances, technology, and upkeep of our space and resources. He also develops ways to connect UIC students, staff, and faculty with Chicago's Asian communities such as volunteer and educational programs. He brings his experience from Northwestern University's Undergraduate Leadership Program to AARCC's Student Organization Leadership Retreat and advising the Student Organization Council. Elvin is a second-generation Chinese American and grew up in a suburb of Buffalo, New York. 

 

AARCC Student Staff

 

Lydia Ye , Asian American Mentor Program Graduate Assistant

Email: qye2@uic.edu

Hi! I am a second year graduate student at Jane Addams College of Social Work, concentrating in Mental Health. I was born in China and lived in Madagascar before immigrating to the U.S. Having graduated from UIC with a B.A in psychology, I can safely say that I have navigated the maze that is UIC. So if anyone has questions feel free to come and find me! I look forward to meeting everyone and having a fun filled year!

 

 

 

Shravya Nadella, Community Outreach Coordinator

Email: snadel3@uic.edu

Hi! I’m currently a third year student majoring in Psychology. This is my first year working as AARCC’s Community Outreach Coordinator and I hope I can meet a lot of new students who are interested in getting involved with the Asian American communities in Chicago! In my free time I like to explore Chicago with friends, practice yoga, bake, volunteer, and I love to eat (I’m vegetarian so let me know of any good veggie restaurants). I am looking forward to meeting some amazing people this year – so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation anytime  :)

 

 

Norman Chen , Campus Outreach Coordinator

Email: wchen42@uic.edu

Hello everyone! I am currently a fourth year student with a double major in English and Economics. I am heavily involved in the Asian American community, most notably in my role as Executive Co-Chair of the Midwest Asian American Student Union Leadership Retreat last Fall here at UIC. I am also extremely proud of my achievement as two-time Runner Up for the ASAM Knowledge Bowl. In my spare time, I enjoy playing and watching sports, video games, food and long walks on the beach. I am also very loud person so please excuse my volume. Hope to see everyone at AARCC!