IU alumnus to receive Asia/Pacific American Alumni Award

When Yoshito Kawahara was younger, he was forced to live in an internment camp after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. \nMore than six decades later, Kawahara has made a name for himself as a role model for the Asian community, and for his efforts he will be receiving the second Distinguished Asian/Pacific American Alumni Award, recognizing him for his achievements in the professional world and in his community. \nKawahara, a professor and chair of the Department of Behavior Sciences at San Diego Mesa College and an IU ‘78 graduate school alumnus, will be recognized 7 p.m. Friday at the Virgil T. DeVault Alumni Center during an invitation-only dinner acknowledging him, graduating students and student leaders of Asian student clubs. It is being co-sponsored by the Asian Alumni Association, the Asian Culture Center and the Asian Student Union. \nKawahara said he is being recognized because of his membership in the Union of Pan-Asian Communities. This organization sets up agencies that create certificate programs so that workers in San Diego would not be stuck in dead end jobs. \n“We wanted to try to give (employees in the community) a hand up so they would have potential, give them a stepping stone for a better future,” Kawahara said. \nKawahara said he became a member of the Asian American Psychological Center in the late ‘70s and has served as a member since 1991. \n“It is the largest and first professional center for Asian Americans to study and understand people in the communities,” he said. \nEunice Donovan, President of the Asian Alumni Association, said granting the Distinguished Asian/Pacific American Alumni Award gives the Asian Alumni Association an opportunity to recognize the professional achievements of Asian/Pacific graduates. \nShe said this award recognizes graduates for their professional achievements and their contributions to the community. \n“It is exciting because we get to recognize current students, graduating seniors and one alumnus,” she said. \nDonovan said Kawahara was chosen to receive this award because of the challenges he overcame from being forced to live in an internment camp during the ‘40s. \nHe said this experience has shaped his values. \n“I think regardless of how many trials an individual has experienced, this culture is always ready to offer you a second chance to succeed,” Kawahara said. \nKawahara said if it was not for his hard work and dedication, he would have remained in “destitute surroundings” for the rest of his life. \n“In this country, you can always climb higher,” he said.