Ann Ignalaga, president of the Asian American Association and junior accounting major, found the door to the Cultural Center at Eastern Illinois University locked, which prevented the Asian American Association from conducting a social event Monday.

Ignalaga tried to contact the University Police Department to unlock the door but received no reply. Several students walked over to the Police Department but found the office closed.

Members were forced to stand on the porch, while they waited for the police.

“I was embarrassed in front of more then five people, but this was an good opportunity to know more people and show others what we can do and how we deal with the situation,” Ignalaga said.

Since the police never came to the Cultural Center, Ignalaga moved her members to the Martinsville Room, where they conducted a business meeting instead.

Amy Norberg, secretary of the Asian American Association and senior German major, signed the association for the use of the Cultural Center on Monday night from 5p,m. to 8p.m. but still found it locked.

Asian American Association wanted to have a social event that would include a showing of the movie Hero starring Jet Li. Candy and popcorn would have been provided for the members.

The Martinsville Room is the normal meeting place for the Asian American Association. The association has only started to use the Cultural Center this semester.

At the business meeting, the members elected a new treasurer to their elective board and agreed to postpone the social event for next week at the Cultural Center.

Asian American Association has other events such as an Asian recipe book and bake sale. The members will sell Asian themed food items to students. One of their major events during the year is the Asian Heritage Month.

Ignalaga described her association as “Many diverse cultures within one organization and an great way to get to know different cultures.”

“An great way to get to know people and gain leadership experience,” she said.

The Asian American Association meets every Monday at 5 p.m.

Elizabeth Edwards can be reached at 581-7942 or a eaedwards@eiu.edu.