The ALab, in partnership with the Southeast Asia in the Midwest Initiative, the College of Education, Executive in Residence program, and the Asian American and Asian Resource Cultural Center hosted the exhibit "LaoAmerica at 50: Dreams, Diaspora and Democracy," from September 16-September 19, 2025.

The abstract for the exhibit was as follows:

December 2025 marks the 50th anniversary since the formal end of war in Laos and Southeast Asia, beginning the Southeast Asian diaspora for many refugees living in the US today. The Midwest has served as the home to internationally recognized writers, artists, educators, entrepreneurs and community builders with roots in Laos. Purdue University is home to the Journal of Southeast Asian American Education and Advancement which just marked its 20th anniversary. Since the end of the US Secret War in Laos, how have our communities transitioned from authoritarianism and monarchies to democracy? What role has memory and the imagination played in shaping that understanding? Many fled to the United States over their role in assisting the US during the Vietnam War, but few Americans know the full story. Over the decades the community had to grapple with culture shock, anti-Asian racism, gang issues, early teen pregnancy, untreated PTSD and depression, substance abuse and gambling addictions, extreme domestic violence concerns, police brutality, immigration reform and gender equity issues. Even as many make amazing contributions in their diverse fields, what lessons can we draw on from this experience to assist newer Americans and to recognize ongoing challenges in policy and conflict resolution, the preservation of memory and the importance of imagination to create futures we see ourselves in? The LaoAmerica at 50 exhibit presents over 50 objects reflecting 100 years of Southeast Asian history, including archival photos, rare books, and original art speaking to the next generation on a wide range of questions including unexploded ordnance, the preservation of traditional arts and unfolding dreams.