NYU Asian, Pacific Islander, & Desi Alumni Network

Launched in May 2025 during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Milk Tea Happy Hour series was conceived by the NYU Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi (APIDA) Alumni Network to build an inclusive, light-hearted space for alumni to connect. The inaugural gathering invited guests to enjoy milk tea and Asian snacks while engaging over board games and custom icebreakers like "Human Bingo." Driven by a collaborative volunteer team, the first event sold out, bringing together 56 alumni and earning overwhelming post-event praise for the warm and welcoming atmosphere fostered.

Recognizing a unique opportunity to turn a single event into a recurring club tradition, the volunteer leadership team expanded the framework beyond board games into interactive cultural activities. In December 2025, the network hosted its second iteration: Milk Tea Happy Hour & Parol Making; at this event, alumni gathered to celebrate the holiday season by crafting traditional Filipino Christmas lanterns (Parols)—symbols of hope and unity—while enjoying milk tea. This second event was another immediate success, welcoming 48 attendees (including some repeat attendees from the first iteration!) and receiving more high praise.

The Milk Tea Happy Hour series stands out not only for its impressive quantitative metrics—including low attrition rates and sold-out registrations—but also for its ability to foster genuine community among alumni and strengthen bonds within the volunteer committee itself. By establishing an adaptable template with plans to incorporate future activities like Mahjong, origami, and trivia, the series has proven to be an innovative model for alumni engagement. This creative vision, seamless volunteer collaboration, and warm community reception earned the club its first-ever NYUAA award: Event of the Year.