
As an LMU alumna and first-generation college student, Min-Jung Kim ’15, a sociology major with minors in economics and Asian and Pacific Studies, found her purpose in a higher education career path where she now serves as LMU’s director for Asian Pacific Student Services.

“My experience as an LMU student was more than I could ever imagine as a first-generation college student,” said Kim. “Through my experiences, I believe LMU shaped me to who I am today. I learned not only academic subject matter but also the importance of being an active global citizen in our society today.”
Kim grew up in Los Angeles after immigrating from Seoul, South Korea, and experienced racism and microaggressions starting at a young age. “I recall wanting to help others learn about the differences of the umbrella term ‘Asian’ and how beautiful and unique each country and culture have,” said Kim. It was during her undergraduate years at LMU that she was able to deepen her knowledge and worldviews on different social justice issues. For Kim, those experiences, including:
- As a writing tutor in the Academic Resource Center;
- As a research assistant for implicit bias, what is now known as diversity, equity, and inclusion;
- As a peer scholar for the Academic Community of Excellence;
- As a resident advisor in McKay Hall;
- As an Ignatian Scholar,
- As a First To Go Scholar;
- As a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, Alpha Kappa Delta, Sociology Society, First Gen Club, First Year Class Council, First To Go Research Club, Alternative Breaks, McCarthy Residence Hall Association, Bunche Global Diversity Initiative, First To Go Writing Community, Common Book Committee, among others.
It was some of those experiences working alongside faculty, staff and peers that helped Kim realize she wanted to work in higher education settings, where she could be a part of shaping and building the community together. Upon graduating from LMU, Kim earned a graduate degree in higher and postsecondary education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she learned about higher education as an institution, its history and the balance that student development professionals bring to its intricate ecosystem.
Kim worked as a graduate hall coordinator at the Manhattan School of Music that eventually would lead to her work as a resident director at Pepperdine University for the past five years. “My experiences in residence life, research in higher education, and working in different offices have shaped me to become a better mentor, colleague, programmer, and overall, into a holistic thinker to meet the needs of various identities, experiences, and issues at hand,” said Kim.

APSS seeks to educate and develop understanding of Asian Pacific heritage and the larger global community while raising social consciousness. The Asian Pacific Student Association (APSA), a coalition of students whose identity transcended any one particular Asian group, had for several years provided support services for first-year Asian students, sponsored cultural events, and held workshops. As the number of Asian Pacific American students at LMU increased, the needs of the community began to outweigh APSA’s ability to provide necessary services. The university responded to APSA’s request in 1980 by creating Asian Pacific Student Services and hiring its first full-time professional director. Asian American and Pacific Islander students comprise approximately 10 percent of undergraduates at LMU.
APSS will be hosting and collaborating on a few programs this semester, including:
- Two film screenings with the Center for Asian Business and AAPIFSA collaboration (dates TBD);
- A mental health program with Student Psychological Services;
- Holi Festival on March 10, from 2-6 p.m.
- Avenues of Awareness art exhibit and discussion in late March;
- An API alumni and students networking event;
- April 28 – API graduation;
As director of APSS, Kim is striving to serve the students at LMU by being an advocate, mentor, and encourager. Kim learned from her education and work experience that her passions were centered on diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice helping one another to educate, build relationships, and influence members of the global community. “This role as the director of APSS aligned perfectly with my passion and desire to work alongside our beautiful Asian, Asian American, and Asian Pacific Islander community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni,” said Kim. “My goals are to help students explore deeply in their identities and their respective communities, build a sense of belonging, and become global citizens in advocacy of their Asian, Asian American, and Asian Pacific American communities. Fighting/Hwaiting (파이팅)! In Korean, people say this term to energize in a cheerful, encouraging way. I want to gather this fighting/hwaiting energy to navigate through my first year as the director of APSS.”
Last week, as the community gathered to pray for the Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay communities, Kim shared the following prayer. “I’m broken with the news of the Monterey Park & Half Moon Bay shootings as we lost, yet again, our 17 of our beautiful brothers and sisters, to gun violence this weekend while they were out celebrating newness and beginnings of the lunar new year. While there were supposed to be joy and celebrations, we come to You with a heavy heart as we mourn together as a community. Lord, we pray for all the people—and especially for our AAPI community during this challenging time for so much division and hate directed towards our community. May we gather here to support one another and feel Your healing presence. Let us join in solidarity as we recognize the richness of diversity that all people bring to our communities both locally, nationally, and globally. May you gather our broken spirits and make anew. May you help us lift our spirits for strength and find peace through this pain. In Jesus’s name, Amen.”
For more information and the latest updates, visit APSS on LEO or on Instagram @lmuapss.