Filipino American Student Association 2020

What is the Filipino American Student Association?

The Filipino American Student Association (FASA) is one of Duquesne University's newest student organizations. The organization was founded by Duquesne University music therapy senior Samantha Espiritu in hopes to provide a welcoming community for Duquesne Filipino students that serves the Duquesne community by creating awareness of the Filipino culture.

In the words of Samantha Espiritu, President and Founder of FASA...

I wanted to begin this organization because I grew up with such an involved and close-knit Filipino community. Coming to Duquesne, it was difficult for me to find a similar environment to the Filipino community that was significant to my upbringing. In a way, I felt like I could not speak about experiences I was going through because they came from a place of my cultural upbringing. It was not until the spring semester of my junior year where I was suddenly introduced to many more Filipino people and that is when I felt the need to begin this organization.

Through my interactions with these people, I have gained a sense of solidarity in my relationship with them, being able to be vulnerable and honest in these connections. Throughout my life, I have learned and embraced how much family and camaraderie are pillars of Filipino culture.

This organization is inspired by these values, opening it up to all the students of Duquesne, whether or not they are Filipino. I wanted to cultivate an environment at Duquesne for people who might not have had the same sense of community as they did back home.

Why donations are needed

With donations, the group can continue to flourish in different ways such as:

• Funding for events: We will hold culture nights that include catering of Filipino food and traditional Filipino dance, which would not be possible without the help of the community around us.
• Mentorship: We also have a mixer at the beginning of the year to introduce upperclassmen with freshmen and will help cultivate relationships for a Kuya (older brother)/Ate (older sister) mentorship program.
• Promotion: The money raised for this campaign will also help promote the organization to the campus community. Something important with the association is the idea of identity and feeling solidarity, so being able to have our organization have a logo that can be displayed and worn with pride will help our club’s visibility on campus.

Funding for this project is special because it is the first Filipino student organization at Duquesne University. Being able to set a firm foundation for the Filipino American Student Association will ensure its future success. Donations will provide for future events and other means of growth for the association.

Thank you for your consideration and support!

Samantha Espiritu

Filipino American Student Association Founder & President