[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 22 (Monday, February 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     HONORING DR. DON T. NAKANISHI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JUDY CHU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2010

  Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a pioneer in the 
field of Asian American political and educational research, and one of 
my dearest mentors, Dr. Don T. Nakanishi, on his retirement as director 
and professor of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center.
  Dr. Nakanishi's 20-year tenure at the UCLA Asian American Studies 
Center, the largest and most renowned research and teaching institute 
of its kind in the Nation, has provided key leadership and vision for 
the development of the field of Asian American Studies and Race and 
Ethnic Relations Scholarship. His contributions to this invaluable 
field of study date back nearly 4 decades.
  Born and raised in the multiethnic, working class community of East 
Los Angeles, California, Professor Nakanishi attended Theodore 
Roosevelt High School, where he served as student body president. He 
was also selected as boy mayor of the City of Los Angeles when he was a 
senior.
  A political scientist, Dr. Nakanishi received his B.A. in political 
science from Yale University in 1971, and his Ph.D., also in political 
science, from Harvard University in 1978.
  A professor at UCLA for 35 years, Dr. Nakanishi is a prolific writer 
and highly influential teacher and scholar who has written over 100 
books, articles, and reports on the political participation of Asian 
Pacific Americans and other ethnic and racial groups in American 
politics; educational research on issues of access and representation; 
and the international political dimensions of minority experiences.
  Dr. Nakanishi is widely recognized for developing the fields of Asian 
American political and educational research. He has received numerous 
awards for his scholarly achievements and public service, including the 
National Community Leadership Award from the Asian Pacific Institute 
for Congressional Studies, the prestigious Yale Medal from Yale 
University, and the inaugural Engaged Scholar Award from the 
Association of Asian American Studies.
  Because of his accomplishments, President Bill Clinton appointed Dr. 
Nakanishi to the Civil Liberties Public Education Fund board of 
directors, which administered the program established under the 1988 
Civil Liberties Act that provided a national apology and reparations 
for the 120,000 Japanese Americans who were incarcerated in 
concentration camps during World War II.
  I urge all my House colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Don 
Nakanishi for his remarkable service and contribution to our community.

                          ____________________