Vietnamese Student Association
VCU has a multitude of cultural and ethnic organizations all based around the central idea of introducing VCU students to various cultures. The Vietnamese Student Association is one such group. Junior Phuong Nguyen is at the helm of VSA, which boasts more than 100 members.
VCU has a multitude of cultural and ethnic organizations all based around the central idea of introducing VCU students to various cultures. The Vietnamese Student Association is one such group. Junior Phuong Nguyen is at the helm of VSA, which boasts more than 100 members. Through VSA she works to educate VCU students about Vietnamese culture.
Q. What would you tell students to make them interested in your association?
A. I would tell them that in order to understand a person completely in their thoughts and actions, one must first understand where they come from. That is, getting an idea of what their background and culture is like. The Vietnamese Students Association here (at) VCU tries to achieve that very goal by allowing those that are unfamiliar with the Vietnamese culture to come and see what the traditions, holiday and activities Vietnamese students like to do. By increasing the awareness and understanding of the Vietnamese heritage and culture as well as meeting the needs of the Vietnamese students here on this campus, we hope to broaden students’ perspectives and allow them to appreciate the diversity that VCU has to offer.
Q. Is VSA a spring-off of a national chapter?
A. To the best of my knowledge, I do not think there is a national chapter of VSA. Each college has their own Vietnamese Students Association, but there is no known chapter that unites as VSA in this country. However, there is work underway to have a national chapter since there was recently a convention in Boston with this idea as the main focus.
Q. How long has this association been present at VCU?
A. This association has been present at VCU since 1979. It began with only 11 members, but has now increased to over 100 members — both active and nonactive.
Q. What is the main goal of the association?
A. The main goal of this association is to promote the integration of Vietnamese students into the university, to increase the awareness and understanding of Vietnamese culture and heritage, and to meet the needs and concerns of the Vietnamese students in VCU.
Anyone interested in joining the VSA mailing list can e-mail VSA@vcu.edu or check out their Web site at http://www.vsavcu.tk.
