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WWII-era students receiving degrees
Honorary degrees will be given to Japanese American students sent to internment camps
Regi Seitz
Issue date: 6/4/08 Section: News
Fischer and Andrew Kiyuna, a senior in ethnic studies, were a major force in pushing the idea. Kiyuna and Fischer pressed legislators to sponsor a related bill signed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski.
The idea for the honorary degrees was initiated in a philosophy class, according to Fischer.
"[Kiyuna] pursued the idea as an intern in the ASOSU and [he] made good progress; but ultimately, the voice of one student didn't quite reach the administration," Fischer said.
Eight months later, when Fischer was working as a legislative assistant to Rep. Tina Kotek, he inquired about introducing a bill that would create a law making it the policy of the state to honor such students.
"She agreed and had the bill drafted, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive," Fischer said.
Other private schools in Oregon have followed OSU's lead, including Willamette and Pacific University.
Some of the students who were evacuated have been difficult to find, according to Sandy Tsuneyoshi, director of Intercultural Student Services and coordinator of the Asian/Pacific American education office.
"We are still looking for many of them," Kiyuna said.
Three of the living former students and family members of 13 others are expected to attend the event, according to the Gazette Times article.
Endow will join former students and family members in receiving an honorary degree during OSU's commencement ceremony.
Regi Seitz, staff writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
The idea for the honorary degrees was initiated in a philosophy class, according to Fischer.
"[Kiyuna] pursued the idea as an intern in the ASOSU and [he] made good progress; but ultimately, the voice of one student didn't quite reach the administration," Fischer said.
Eight months later, when Fischer was working as a legislative assistant to Rep. Tina Kotek, he inquired about introducing a bill that would create a law making it the policy of the state to honor such students.
"She agreed and had the bill drafted, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive," Fischer said.
Other private schools in Oregon have followed OSU's lead, including Willamette and Pacific University.
Some of the students who were evacuated have been difficult to find, according to Sandy Tsuneyoshi, director of Intercultural Student Services and coordinator of the Asian/Pacific American education office.
"We are still looking for many of them," Kiyuna said.
Three of the living former students and family members of 13 others are expected to attend the event, according to the Gazette Times article.
Endow will join former students and family members in receiving an honorary degree during OSU's commencement ceremony.
Regi Seitz, staff writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Mary Li Hsu
posted 6/05/08 @ 12:07 PM PST
Kudos to the students for seeing an injustice and working effectively to right a wrong. This is an inspired idea that I hope will catch on quickly with other schools. (Continued…)
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