WSU Alumni Multicultural Chapters

While most Cougs know about the WSU Alumni Association’s various geographic chapters and clubs throughout the country, many don’t know about the WSUAA’s multicultural chapters.

The WSUAA has four multicultural chapters: the Asian American Pacific Islander Alumni Chapter (AAPI), Black Alumni Chapter, Chicana/o/x Latina/o/x Alumni Chapter (La Alianza de WSU), and Native American Alumni Chapter (Ku-Au-Mah Society).

The WSUAA formed these multicultural chapters to support the historically underrepresented groups within WSU’s student and alumni populations, foster collaboration between the chapters, promote the welfare of all WSU alums of color, and support the diversity initiatives of WSU and the WSUAA.

“These chapters are not only important for welcoming future generations of students and alumni, but they also foster communities of Cougs who have common backgrounds with one another,” WSUAA president Lester Barbero says. “They serve to bring people together who share an affinity for something.”

The WSUAA supports several programs for multicultural chapters, including leadership scholarships for students of color, mentorship programs, reunions, networking events, social activities, and recruitment efforts for students and alums. Multicultural chapters also strive to foster relationships with current WSU students, assuring them that there is a welcoming place for them to stay connected with WSU now and after they graduate.

“Everyone needs community to build their support networks. Although some students may already have these connections, there are still a lot who may not yet have that,” says Mariah Maki, executive director of the WSUAA. “It’s so important for current and future Cougs to know that there is a safe place after graduation with our WSU alumni communities, especially those who identify with our multicultural chapters, where they can share experiences and be supported.”

Many chapters are hosting reunions and alumni weekends in 2024, so mark your calendars:

More information about the WSUAA multicultural chapters.