USC To Honor Wartime Japanese American Students

Los Anglees — At an upcoming gala, the USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association will honor Nisei (American-born) USC students who were impacted by the internment of American citizens of Japanese descent during World War II.

The recognition will take place at the group’s annual scholarship and awards gala on Friday, April 25, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel.

As a result of the interment, some USC students in the era were denied degrees or access to academic records.

Martha Harris, USC senior vice president for university relations, will present the honors at the gala on behalf of USC President Steven B. Sample.

“The experience of these students is a stark reminder to us about the need for tolerance, understanding and respect,” Harris said. “We look forward to welcoming these students back to the Trojan Family, and honoring their endurance and accomplishment.”

This honor has been a priority for the USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association (APAA) said its president, Jon Kaji. “It is time for USC to recognize these Nisei students as members of the Trojan Family, and recognize this painful episode in their lives.”

Students from this era have also been honored by other West Coast universities, including San Francisco State University and Sierra College in California, and Willamette University in Oregon. In 2007, Oregon passed legislation allowing impacted students to request honorary degrees from public colleges and universities.

At the April 25 gala, the APAA will also recognize 25 scholars with funds raised at the event, directly benefiting current and future USC students.

Asian Pacific Americans constitute more than 20 percent of the USC student population, with the number increasing every year. APAA scholarships significantly benefit this population, with two-thirds of these students receiving some form of financial aid.

APAA Awards are also being presented to Grant Imahara, build team member on Discovery Channel’s hit show Mythbusters; Michael Garrett, USC athletic director; Karen Wong and Scott Lee, longtime APAA volunteers; and the Union Bank of California.

The USC APAA is also interested in finding other former Nisei Trojans whose academic careers were interrupted by the wartime internment. For information, please contact Grace Shiba, senior director of alumni relations, at (213) 740-4937 or Grace.Shiba@alumnicenter.usc.edu.

Information on the APAA and its programs can be found at alumni.usc.edu/apaa.

Contact: Grace Shiba at (213) 740-4937 or Grace.Shiba@alumnicenter.usc.edu