Asian American Cultural Center at Illinois

09/04/2026

Meet Our Team ⭐️

Kanittha Fay
Assistant Director for Marketing, Communications, and Community Relations
(she/her/hers)

Kanittha cultivates student leadership, community engagement, and civic participation through strategic partnerships, storytelling, and inclusive community building. As Assistant Director for Marketing, Communications, and Community Relations at the Asian American Cultural Center, she leads the center’s marketing, communications, and community relations efforts, strengthening connections across campus and throughout the broader community.

She earned a Master of Science in Business Administration from the Gies College of Business - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and brings more than 25 years of experience working with student leaders and community organizations. Originally from Thailand, she brings the perspective of a first-generation immigrant and community builder to her work.

Kanittha is a valuable resource for connecting with our community and encouraging civic involvement. She has been recognized for her community leadership by CUSchoolsFoundation, Urbana, Illinois - City Government, Urbana School District #116, and 40 North 88 West. Kanittha has served on advisory committees for Asian American Cultural Center at Illinois and Urbana Park District and on the boards of Urbana Rotary Club and League of Women Voters of Champaign County. She also actively volunteers with Urbana High School PTSA and When We All Vote - Champaign County, IL.

Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, and capturing everyday moments through photography.

09/04/2026

Thank you for walking with us to Krannert Center for the Performing Arts’s Opening Night! Wishing everyone a wonderful semester!

We are stronger together! 🧡💙

09/03/2026

We are proud to partner with the Urbana Park District and International Education at Illinois to host the Mid-Autumn Festival Family Night at the Anita Purves Nature Center! 🌕🏮

🗓️September 9, 2026, 5-7 PM

Join us for a multicultural learning experience exploring autumn and harvest traditions from Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and India through stories, activities, games, and treats.

✨ All are welcome! Please RSVP using the link in the comments to help us plan and make sure we have enough mooncakes for everyone! 🥮🌕

https://www.wcia.com/community-spotlight/community-spotlight-mid-autumn-festival-family-night/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_WCIA_3_News

Sreelakshmi Suresh and Kanittha Fay joined WCIA's Katie Moore to talk about an upcoming event in Urbana.

09/02/2026

Join the Urbana Park District and the Asian American Cultural Center at Illinois at Anita Purves Nature Center next Wednesday for a Mid-Autumn Festival Family Night!

Across Asia, autumn is a time to celebrate and spend time with family. Everyone is invited to the nature center on September 9 from 5-7 to learn about celebrations in America and Asia and enjoy stories, crafts, games and snacks!

This event is FREE and open to all ages (under 15 with adult). Please contact the nature center at 217-384-4062 with any questions.

09/01/2026

Artist Showcase: Kuhu Shukla

Not Mine Only Held.

Join the Asian American Cultural Center for an Artist Showcase featuring Kuhu Shukla and her exhibition, Not Mine Only Held.

The exhibition explores themes of identity, belonging, memory, and our connections to people, places, and culture. Drawing on Warli art, an ancient visual tradition of the Warli people of Maharashtra, India, Shukla uses its geometric language alongside influences from the Pacific Northwest to explore memory, myth, emotion, imagination, and our relationship with the natural world. Her work also draws on the story of Maa Sati and Shakti, reflecting on female power, gentle defiance, and the tribulations and triumphs of women across generations.

Meet the artist, experience her work, and connect with our community at the opening reception.

Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Time: 5–6:30 PM
Location: Asian American Cultural Center, 1210 W. Nevada St., Urbana, IL

The exhibition will be on display from September 11 through December 11, 2026. This program is supported in part by the City of Urbana Arts Grant.

08/31/2026

🎭✨ Join AACC as we walk together in the Krannert Performing Arts Parade and celebrate the arts and our campus community!

Everyone is welcome! Come as you are or proudly represent your culture or organization. 🌏🧡💙

📅 Thursday, September 3, 2026
⏰ Meet at 4:15 PM
📍 Anniversary Plaza on the Main Quad, south of the Illini Union
🚶 Route: Main Quad to Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

We hope you’ll walk with us! 🎶🎨🎉

https://krannertcenter.com/events/celebrate-community-procession

08/26/2026

📬 Don’t miss a beat!

Subscribe to the AACC newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events, leadership opportunities, campus resources, and what’s happening at AACC and across campus!

🔗 Subscribe today and stay connected! 🧡💙

https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/66/93328566.html

08/25/2026

✨Asiantation 2026: AACC-IE Open House🎉

Meet new people and build connections! Enjoy treats, performances, and activities! Apply to help paint the South Asian mural!

Join the Asian American Cultural Center and International Education for Asiantation 2026, our annual open house and resource fair for new and returning students.

Celebrate the start of the semester while exploring campus resources, connecting with student organizations, and discovering exciting programs and opportunities. Enjoy parfaits and smoothies, interactive activities, lively trivia, prizes, and plenty of swag. Come meet new people, build connections, and kick off the semester with us!

Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: Asian American Cultural Center, 1210 W. Nevada St., Urbana, IL 61801

Nonpartisan voter registration is available through AACC- APIAVote Ambassadors. If you plan to vote on campus and prefer to register online, please visit the Center for Civic Engagement & Justice’s Illinois Votes page.

08/24/2026

Happy First Day of Classes, Illini! 🧡💙

The Asian American Cultural Center wishes you a joyful and successful start to the new academic year. Here’s to new opportunities, meaningful connections, and an exciting year ahead!

We look forward to welcoming you to AACC! 🎉