[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 17, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO DR. FERNANDO CHIU HUNG CHEUNG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OCCC

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RONALD V. DELLUMS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 1996

  Mr. DELLUMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Dr. Fernando Chiu 
Hung Cheung, executive director of the Oakland Chinese Community 
Council [OCCC]. His commitment, hard work, and concern for the welfare 
of immigrants extends beyond the Chinese community. Though he appears 
rather quiet and mild mannered, Dr. Cheung is a fierce defender of 
those in need. He has personal knowledge of being an immigrant seeking 
a better life and willing to make great sacrifices.
  Dr. Cheung was born in Macao and came to the United States in 1981. 
He finished his masters in social welfare at the California State 
University, Fresno in 1983. In 1988 he became the executive director of 
OCCC and pursued higher education, receiving his Ph.D. in social 
welfare in 1990.
  Dr. Cheung's leadership was instrumental in the expansion of programs 
and services of OCCC. Indicative of his exceptional management ability 
and commitment to the goals and values of the social work profession, 
OCCC received the prestigious award of excellence in management from 
Chevron Corporation and the Management Center in 1989. Despite the 
adverse funding environment Dr. Cheung maintained a steady 12 percent 
growth rate in the agency budget. He initiated program evaluation and 
accountability systems to ensure improved service delivery and quality 
service.
  Dr. Cheung's perspective on social work and social justice was not 
limited by the boundaries of the community his agency served. He 
provided leadership in advocacy for equal access to health and human 
services as the chair of the Multicultural Multilingual Oversight 
Committee for the County of Alameda. His belief in the politics of 
collaboration to influence and develop public policy resulted in a 
cross-cultural collaboration among Asian, Hispanic, African American, 
and Native American communities to work with local, State, and Federal 
governments and with private corporations to ensure an accurate census 
count of traditionally undercounted populations.
  Dr. Cheung worked with the County of Alameda to develop and expand a 
major adult health care program for Asian seniors in the East Bay. 
Thus, the Hong Fook Adult Day Health Center was established and is now 
presently located at a state-of-the-art facility in a senior housing 
project in the heart of Chinatown.
  Dr. Cheung has accepted a position to teach in a university in Hong 
Kong. Together with his wife, Natalie and their three children, 
Vincent, Vivian, and Valerie, they have taken a new challenge. Though 
Dr. Cheung and his family will be missed, his contribution toward 
improving the quality of life for the people of the East Bay will be a 
constant reminder of his dedication and commitment toward social equity 
and justice.

                          ____________________