Inver Hills Community College is happy to welcome a new student club on campus, Asian Student Union (ASU). Last year, ASU started as a small committee for just one semester. This school year, ASU has grown into an official student club—and the club’s impact is already being felt across the campus community.
“This student-led group is powered by passion and purpose,” said Solina Hammerschmidt, foundation administrative specialist at both Inver Hills and Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) and an ASU co-advisor. “They’ve created a space where Asian students feel seen, supported, and celebrated while helping educate the broader campus on authentic representation and visibility.”
Solina added that Gray Jensen, ASU president, and Dylan Herr, ASU vice president, are truly the heart of the new club. Gray and Dylan have poured everything into making ASU thrive, from inviting speakers and sharing cultural foods to welcoming everyone and building connections that matter.
Manee Yang serves as a program navigator at Inver Hills and DCTC. She is also an ASU co-advisor. “I’m so proud of the growth, leadership, and community the ASU members have built in such a short time,” Manee said. “Their dedication and authenticity continue to inspire me and so many others.”
Asian Student Union (ASU)
Purpose: A place for Asian students to belong and connect. As well to bring awareness and representation to the Asian community at Inver Hills.
Gray Jensen
Asian Student Union (ASU) President
Age: 17
Hometown: Big Lake, Minnesota
Current town or city of residence: Minneapolis, Minnesota
High school and year graduating: Roosevelt High School, Class of 2026, Inver Hills PSEO student
Inver Hills major and degree earning: Business
Inver Hills scheduled graduation date: Spring 2027
Inver Hills extracurricular activities: ASU president, Student Senate
Transfer plans: Transfer to Metropolitan State University to earn bachelor’s degree in business administration
Career plans: Not too sure, but would like to work in a business office setting
Three words that describe you as a college student:
FUN. INSPIRING. DEDICATED.
Gray Jensen Q & A
What inspired you to form Asian Student Union (ASU)?
I joined ASU at my high school and realized that as a Guyanese Indian person I am Asian, and I am allowed to be in the space. Throughout life, I’ve noticed Asians are always overlooked, and I was never really able to learn about Asian-related history besides what I personally studied.
When I came to Inver Hills, there wasn’t anything for Asians. This upset me greatly, and I knew I had to change this. So at orientation, I connected with Raquel (Calles) to see how I could start a club like I had at my high school—and turns out Dylan, our ASU vice president, had the same idea as me at orientation!
What are your principle duties as ASU president?
My principle duties as ASU president are to build and lead ASU’s vision, oversee meetings and club operations, and delegate tasks and support collaboration between my lovely officers!
What information would you share with students who wish to know more about the ASU?
To those who wish to know more about ASU, I’d like to share that you are all welcome—regardless of your ethnicity. ASU’s purpose is to educate, empower, and celebrate Asian heritage, and we invite everyone to join in on our purpose!
If you could make one thing happen on Earth right now, what would it be?
If I could make one thing happen on Earth, I’d want everyone to feel safe and be able to enjoy their lives.
One word that best describes your experience at Inver Hills:
INVOLVED
Dylan Herr
Asian Student Union (ASU) Vice President
Age: 20
Hometown: Hastings, Minnesota
Current town or city of residence: Hastings, Minnesota
High school and year graduated: Hastings High School, Class of 2024
Inver Hills major and degree earning: Associate of Arts (A.A.)
Inver Hills scheduled graduation date: Spring 2026
Inver Hills extracurricular activities: ASU VP, Finance Club, DEI student worker
Transfer plans: Minnesota State University, Mankato, or Winona State University to major in Business Administration with a minor in Supply Chain/Logistics
Career plans: Business
Three words that describe you as a college student:
INVOLVED. OPEN-MINDED. MOTIVATED.
Dylan Herr Q & A
What inspired you to form the Asian Student Union (ASU)?
I saw there wasn’t an ASU on campus, so I decided to help create it.
What are your principle duties as the ASU vice president?
I help lead the club and fill in the role as the president if needed.
What information would you share with students who wish to know more about the ASU?
The club is a space to bring awareness and share Asian identity on campus
If you could make one thing happen on Earth right now, what would it be?
To get rid of or fix the humidity problem in Minnesota and other states that have the same issue.
One word that best describes your experience at Inver Hills:
AMAZING
Asian Student Union officer gallery
Learn more about Asian Student Union (ASU) at Inver Hills by contacting:
Solina Hammerschmidt
Foundation Administrative Specialist
Asian Student Union Co-Advisor
Inver Hills Community College
Dakota County Technical College
solina.hammerschmidt@inverhills.edu
651-450-3645
Manee Yang
Program Navigator
Asian Student Union Co-Advisor
Inver Hills Community College
Dakota County Technical College
manee.yang@inverhills.edu
651-423-8293
