Vietnamese Student Association of Minnesota
What is VSAM?
The Vietnamese Student Association of Minnesota, also known as VSAM, is a cultural student organization at the University of Minnesota. Our objective is to preserve and promote Vietnamese culture within our campus and local communities. We serve our members by providing entertainment, networking opportunities, and cultural education for everyone involved. Any student who is interested in Vietnamese culture and our organization is welcome to join!
Vision Statement
VSAM envisions “Promoting culture, enabling self-discovery, and fostering unity.” VSAM aims to utilize new and engaging methods to embrace Vietnamese cultural education and expression. Through event programming, volunteerism, and leadership, VSAM seeks to provide opportunities for professional development and personal growth. By welcoming people of all identities and standing in solidarity with one another, VSAM strives to be a community that resembles home.
Our 2023-2024 Logo
Female-Presenting Figure
We celebrate the indomitable spirit and leadership of the remarkable women who currently guide us throughout our rich history with our figure. The open arms mirror the inclusivity and strength that our community stands for.
Red and Yellow Colors
The red on the Áo dài denotes luck and prosperity while the yellow color carries whispers of wealth, good fortune, and sovereignty. We honor their meanings here and intertwine tradition with a promise of a year filled with auspiciousness.
Red Ao Dai-clad female figure with outstretched arms against a yellow sun backdrop, outlining Vietnamese symbols in Minnesota shape. “VSAM” in bold black font above, “Est. 1976” below, symbolizing the Vietnamese Student Association of Minnesota.
Temples and Outlines
The traditional Vietnamese temples in an outline of the shape of Minnesota symbolizes the fusion of our Vietnamese-American identity with our Minnesotan one. This union represents our journey of embracing and expanding our heritage while thriving in our current community. It’s a visual reminder of how our past enriches our present and guides us toward a culturally rich and interconnected future. A cultivated home distant from our cultural hearth, we seek to share our beautiful traditions and make VSAM feel like home.
Our Events
Summer BBQ
Each academic year, VSAM hosts a back-to-school Summer BBQ for our incoming and returning community members!
Open House
Each semester, VSAM hosts our Open House event to welcome our community members to engage in a variety of community bonding activities and get to know our organization!
Tết Trung Thu
Our annual Mid-Autumn Festival is the largest event of our fall semester and features a variety of performances and food!
A.C.C.E
Hosted every semester, VSAM’s Anh, Chị, Chanh, Em (ACCE) program is a family program designed to pair community members up with a sibling and do a variety of challenges throughout a month!
Tet Show
VSAM hosts an annual Tet Show featuring a plethora of dance, singing, and fashion performances by our community members!
Internships
In the Spring semester, VSAM provides 2 cycles of internships where community members can gain experience in event planning and board position responsibilities!
And More!
Words From Our Community!
VSAM has provided me so many opportunities to feel more connected to my identity, meet new people, and grow as a leader!
These events are so fun – I hope to make it to more soon!
VSAM provided a second home where I could connect with my fellow friends and build a bond over similarities.
VSAM has given me plenty of opportunities that I’m plenty grateful for when it comes to networking, professional development, and finding valuable connections that I will never regret.
i think i drank paint
VSAM’s Tet Show allowed the opportunity to be part of a team and practice together for months, creating bonds with new friends!