WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) – Construction has begun on a new Asian cultural center at Purdue University in West Lafayette.

Purdue says its Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center will help provide support to the school's Asian community. It will also provide opportunities for education and awareness to the entire campus.

Victoria Loong was appointed the center's interim director last month. She says there's been a long history of efforts to establish the center and she's thrilled to see it come about.

The center will be located in Stewart Center on the West Lafayette campus.