Founded in 1983, the Vietnamese Student Association represents a longstanding commitment to cultural preservation and community building at the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL. As a student-led organization, VSA has spent decades creating meaningful connections among students while honoring Vietnamese heritage and fostering appreciation for Asian American cultures.
At its core, VSA strives to establish a supportive environment where individuals of Vietnamese and non-Vietnamese descent can come together to interact, learn, and celebrate shared cultural values. The organization recognizes that cultural awareness strengthens communities, and it actively works to build bridges between students from diverse backgrounds through thoughtfully planned events and activities throughout the Champaign area.
VSA's mission extends beyond the university walls. The organization is deeply invested in supporting the broader Vietnamese American student community by maintaining active involvement with regional and national networks. Through partnerships with the Union of Vietnamese Student Associations of the Midwest and other affiliated groups, VSA contributes to a larger movement of cultural preservation and mutual support among Vietnamese American students across North America.
The organization also plays an important role in strengthening the campus's Asian Pacific Islander American community. By collaborating with other APIA organizations and supporting initiatives like the Asian Pacific American Coalition, VSA demonstrates its commitment to intersectional community building and solidarity.
Open to everyone interested in learning about or sharing Vietnamese culture, VSA welcomes students of all backgrounds to join its growing community. Members enjoy exclusive benefits and discounts from local partners, creating tangible value alongside the deeper rewards of cultural connection and lifelong friendships forged through shared experiences and mutual respect.
Champaign, IL