May 26, 2010
Six new members were inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame at a reception on May 21, 2010, which also paid special tribute to Japanese American alumnae who were interned during World War II.
(sitting from left to right) Hatsune (Arita) Fukuchi, Helen ( Nitta) Hori
and Kaya Ruth (Kitagawa) Sugiyama. Standing behind them is
San Francisco State University President Robert A. Corrigan
Also honored at the ceremony were three Japanese American alumnae who were attending San Francisco State at the start of World War II and denied their higher education when forced to move to internment camps. Hatsune (Arita) Fukuchi, Helen (Nitta) Hori and Kaya Ruth (Kitagawa) Sugiyama were each awarded honorary baccalaureate degrees. President Corrigan awarded the diplomas.
From left: President Corrigan, Hatsune Fukuchi, Helen Hori and Kaya Ruth Sugiyama
with family members
"It is a privilege to honor these students and to recognize the sacrifices made by Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II," said President Corrigan. "Tonight we make some small recompense for an act that stands as a mark of shame in our nation's history."
The San Francisco State University Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes alumni who have earned the respect of their peers through professional, cultural and civic achievements. Previous inductees include documentary filmmaker Steven Okazaki, football legend Bill Baird, Retired U.S. Navy Commander Darlene Iskra and actor Jeffrey Tambor.
Edited from an original article by Denize Springer
Photos courtesy of L. Gino De Grandis/San Francisco State University