Students of Color Residential Community

David Chiu
Professor of Computer Science
Thompson 303
253.879.2853
dchiu@pugetsound.edu

Colin O'Loughlin
Director of Residence Life
253.879.3317
coloughlin@pugetsound.edu

Robin Aijian
Director of Undergraduate Admission
253.879.3986
rbaijian@pugetsound.edu

Going away to college is one of the biggest changes in life! Are you feeling a little nervous, unsure of what to expect, or worried you’ll be the only person of color in your classroom? That’s why we started the Students of Color Residential Community (SCRC).

We wanted to create a supportive community of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students so that, from day one, you’ll have peers you can relate to, know trusted faculty to talk to and ask for help, and live in spaces that feel supportive and safe. Don’t just feel comfortable at college—explore and affirm your multidimensional identities! Navigate campus life in solidarity! Achieve your academic dreams! Join the SCRC today.

“Liberated relationships are one of the ways we actually create abundant justice, the understanding that there is enough attention, care, resource, and connection for all of us to access belonging, to be in our dignity, and to be safe in community.”
- Adrienne Maree Brown

What is the Students of Color Residential Community?

Members live together in an assigned residence hall with the support of a dedicated Resident Assistant (RA).
Assigned Faculty Advisor David Chiu meets with students to discuss academics, individual educational trajectories, and provide support through college life.
Take part in social events that foster connections and cultivate a sense of belonging.
Being part of the SCRC does not incur additional costs or impact your financial aid.
On your housing application, check the box for SCRC.
Admittance to the program will be on a rolling basis, so if you are interested, be sure to indicate your interest soon!

Meet Professor David Chiu

David Chiu is a Professor of Computer Science, and has been with Puget Sound for over ten years. As a first-generation college student of color, David credits strong faculty mentorship and the opportunity to build lasting peer connections to be pivotal to his early engagement and success in college. He is deeply committed to supporting the students-of-color cohort, guiding students through the challenges of college life, and helping them develop personalized pathways to academic achievement.

Meet the RA: Winston Zapet Bamac '27 (he/him)

Hello, my name is Winston, I use he/him pronouns, and I am a biochemistry major! I will also be your Student of Color Residential Community (SCRC) RA and am so excited to meet you all! I am from San Pablo, CA, a town similar in size to Tacoma. I enjoy reading, exploring Tacoma, and grabbing food with friends. Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have or if you just want to introduce yourself!

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