Selu Alofipo

“Although I am very proud of my heritage, I am extremely thankful for the blessings and opportunities made available to me in this great country,” Selu Alofipo said in 2016. Alofipo, a self-taught expressionist artist, spoke before being recognized by the White House as a “Champion of Change” in 2016. He was one of ten artists selected from across the country to be honored by the White House for their unique work to highlight Asian American and Pacific Islander issues. His art was featured in the East Wing of the White House under President Barack Obama. Alofipo received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana Tech University while on a football scholarship. “My trip to the White House was amazing, truly inspirational,” he said. “My visit to the Lincoln Memorial and other historical sites of our country's founding fathers touched me deeply and will stay with me for an eternity.” Updated 2018