In February, Sacramento State was visited by a group of Tibetan Buddhist monks, who came to the university to create sand paintings and share their culture.

The event couldn’t have been done without the help of the Asian Culture Club, a club originally started by alumni Amber Massey and Mieke Lisuk.

Massey and Lisuk, Asian art history major students, started the club in 2011 originally to help put together the exhibitions and conferences of the Asian Studies Program.

After Massey and Lisuk graduated, students in the Asian Studies Program took over the club and have transformed it to what it is today.

“The student leaders have totally dedicated themselves to lead the club,” said Pattaratorn Chirapravati, the club’s adviser and the vice director of the Asian Studies Program. “They have added components of meeting every two weeks and conducting activities together.”

Recently the club went to California Middle School in Sacramento for an oral show and to share why culture is important.

“We’re trying to do more outreach to the public,” said Pao Vang, president of the Asian Culture Club. “We started by outreaching to students and hope to collaborate with the Japan Club.”

At the club’s meeting, members participate in enriching activities that help them learn about other Asian cultures.

“We made Chinese lanterns for Chinese New Year,” said Jacqueline Altamirano, the club’s treasurer. “We’re planning a field trip to San Francisco hopefully by the end of this month or sometime in May, it will be a good experience for the members.”

Vang said the club’s mission is to bring art, music and culture to the public.

“We were invited by our adviser to help when the Tibetan monks were here,” Vang said.

“When faculties and staff put together symposium and events we help, and because of that we become exposed to different cultures.”

The club also helps promote the Asian Studies Program, originally comprised of mainly third year students but according to professor Chirapravati, first year students have began joining.

“I’m very proud of my students,” said Chirapravati. “They want to understand their culture, themselves and their identity.”

Students in the club are also a part of the program and help to promote and support Asian activities on campus.

“I really want to have an International Day on campus and collaborate with other clubs to do a showcase,” Vang said.

Despite being a small club, past and present members continue to work hard to help their club and program receive recognition.

“Joining has helped me realize that the need to try to be more active in class,” Altamirano said. “ Before I just went to class but now I’m building closer relationships with the professors in my major and I feel more focused.”