AAPIRC Moves Locations, Hires Program Manager
March 25, 2025 - Dorene DiNaro
After a nearly two-year building renovation process, the Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Center (AAPIRC) recently moved into its new location in Room 1064 of Mesa Vista Hall. The AAPIRC Team is working diligently with a number of campus partners to get fully settled in and create a welcoming space where all UNM students can connect, relax, and build a sense of community.
The new AAPIRC space offers a computer lab, FREE printing, meeting accommodations for chartered student organizations use, a small classroom-style gathering area, and a kitchenette featuring a refrigerator and microwave. Students can also enjoy the private meditation room for quiet reflection and prayer as well as a comfortable lounge to unwind and socialize.
In addition to transitioning into a new physical environment, AAPIRC also welcomed Aaron Tuioti-Mariner as the center’s inaugural Program Manager on March 17. Aaron joined the UNM community last year as the sales and program manager for the Student Union Building before taking on the new AAPIRC role. Prior to moving to New Mexico, Aaron spent 15 years in higher education at Adams State University where he held various roles including graduate coordinator, program chair, academic advisor, assistant professor, and assistant football coach.
Executive Director for Student Support, Pam Agoyo noted: “I’m thrilled to welcome Aaron as AAPIRC’s program manager! The breadth and depth of his professional experience and passion for supporting student success, along with an unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and engaging environment, is exactly what is needed at this time to advance the center’s work to empower students academically and personally. As Aaron embarks on positively impacting a new chapter in AAPIRC’s ongoing development, I invite all members of the Division of Student Affairs to visit the new space and share your ideas with him.”
Originally from the Pacific Islands of Samoa and raised in Orange County, California, Aaron is a first-generation college graduate. He earned a B.S. in Business Administration, an M.A. in Sports Administration, and an MBA in Leadership—all from Adams State University. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Sports Administration with a minor in Educational Leadership at UNM, with a research focus on Pacific Islander recruitment, retention, and academic success in higher education.
Outside of work, Aaron enjoys spending time with his wife, five children, and their dog, Fresno. He loves attending sporting events and is an avid Los Angeles Rams and Lakers fan. He also enjoys exploring the outdoors, watching movies, and unwinding with a good book.
Plans for a soft opening of AAPIRC are being planned for this semester, with a formal grand opening and welcoming event slated for start of the fall 2025 term. Details are forthcoming.
