VOLUME 24 FALL 2016

photo credit: Josh Keokanlaya

THANK YOU FOR GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF THIS! $50,000 in scholarships were Le, Ruth Martinez, Christine Kim- bring this year’s scholarship program awarded at the 36th annual NSRCF Tai Plautz, Khamphoui Singvongsa, to its successful conclusion. ceremony on June 12 at the Silver Michael Tanimura, Alan Thavisouk, Seafood restaurant in the Uptown Hai Long Tran, Stacy Uchida, Justine Many thanks are also extended to neighborhood of Chicago. 160 Urbikas and Joliana Yee. It bears the following community partners: recipients, parents, siblings and repeating every year that the NSRCF Japanese American Service friends, joined with local awards board of directors could not fulfill Committee (JASC), Cambodian committee members and NSRCF its mission without the enthusiasm, Association of Illinois, Lao American board members to congratulate the commitment, and countless hours of Organization of Elgin (LAOE) , 32 high school seniors on their past really hard work put in by the local Lao American Community Services, accomplishments and to wish them scholarship awards committees. 2016 Vietnamese Association of Illinois, well in their college pursuits. was no exception. The Chicago Asian Americans Advancing Justice committee faced many daunting – Chicago, and Northeastern Illinois The NSRCF board of directors gives challenges during the application University. Special recognition is a hearty and appreciative THANK process and all credit goes to the co- given to LAOE and its Director of YOU to this year’s excellent co-chairs chairs and committee members for Youth Services, Alan Thavisouk, Diep Nguyen and Michael Takada their determined efforts to get the whose enthusiasm and persistence and their stellar committee: Amy word out, follow-up, outreach and enabled 15 Lao American students Houlihan, Thavary Krouch, Tuyet network, encourage and persist to continued on next page

NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG to receive a scholarship. In all of his internment. Three correspondence Alan never failed recipients were to say, “Thank you for giving us the chosen by the opportunity to be a part of this great committee to service!” speak: Alec Seng, the Jiro and Tama The NSRCF board members who Ishihara Scholar; attended were Yutaka Kobayashi Charlie Chansiri, and his wife Maureen, Jean Hibino, the Lafayette and Jim McIlwain, and Stephen Hibino. Mayme Noda Longtime Fund supporters also Scholar; and in attendance were Hannah Tani Hilary Pham, the Hogan, a Nisei from Vernon Hills, American Friends Illinois; Tom and Mary Ann Hibino Service Committee Scholar. [Please Hoang. The third new named from Massachusetts; and Shelley read the excerpts of their inspiring scholarship is named for Colonel Kurata and her daughter Courtney speeches in this newsletter.] Joseph Y. Kurata of San Francisco from California. and was awarded to Nathan Chin. Three new named scholarships These special scholarships are Michael Takada, co-chair and were awarded this year. Shelley highlighted in this newsletter. CEO of JASC was the MC of Kurata was thrilled to be able to Everyone was treated to a wonderful the afternoon’s program. The present the Shim and Chiyo Hiraoka multi-course Chinese banquet, and keynote speaker was Trish Morita- Scholarship in honor of her parents the program concluded with the Mullaney, Assistant Professor of to Christopher Rattanasamay. presentation of award certificates, English Language Learning at Yutaka and Maureen Kobayashi, endless photos, happy and proud Purdue University. She spoke of her even though they were trapped on families and much good cheer, a journey from San Francisco to the the Logan Airport tarmac for three wonderful affirmation of the Fund’s Midwest and her family’s history hours, made it just in time to present work. CONGRATULATIONS TO and experiences during their WWII their named scholarship to Phoebe THE CLASS OF 2016!

I was awarded a scholarship in 2008 and I am sorry that it took me so long to give back; I also wish that I could give more. Receiving the scholarship gave me such pride and inspiration. In the past eight years, I graduated from the University of Arizona (studying economics and accounting) and soon began work at a local accounting firm doing audits of governmental and nonprofit entities. I recently left the firm to finish out the requirements to become a certified public accountant and am happy to say that I have succeeded and am now a CPA! I held on to your mailed newsletters after receiving the scholarship to motivate myself to work hard and give back. I try to be the best person I can be and I sincerely hope that I can give more in future.

- Peter Trinh (2008 Scholarship Awardee)

NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND 2 Dear NSRCF supporters and friends, It is with heavy hearts that the board chair the awards committee. She is acknowledges the passing of former currently lining up co-chairs to assist In celebrating the Fund’s 36th board member and friend, Bob her with the undertaking. A group anniversary we extend our thanks Maeda on January 30, 2016 at age of skilled, interested and enthusiastic to all who supported its mission and 83. Bob retired from our board in folks have already been meeting, work throughout the year, allowing us 2014, we miss his leadership, steady, and we are confident of a successful to provide educational opportunities quiet presence and laid back sense of outcome. for students in the Greater Chicago humor. area. And last but not least, thank you Four Named Scholarships have to the Fund’s supporters. Your This year’s awards ceremony recently been established: Colonel unwavering belief in the mission was held on June 12th. Joseph Y. Kurata; Shim and Chiyo and work keeps us going. We look CONGRATULATIONS to co- Hiraoka; Yutaka and Maureen forward with anticipation to the chairs Diep Nguyen and Michael Kobayashi; and Ryozo Glenn coming year. Takada and committee members Kumekawa, bringing the number of Amy Houlihan, Thavary Krouch, these special awards to 19. Named With appreciation, Tuyet Le, Ruth Martinez, Christine Scholarships make it possible to give Kim-Tai Plautz, Khamphoui an annual $2000 scholarship, the NSRCF Board of Directors Singvongsa, Michael Tanimura, Alan largest amount the Fund awards, Paul Watanabe, President Thavisouk, Hai Long Tran, Stacy to outstanding students. They are Stephen Y. Hibino, Treasurer Uchida, Justine Urbikas and Joliana established in different ways, from Jean Y. Hibino, Executive Secretary Yee. Their long hours of hard work a lump sum to yearly donations to Kesaya E. Noda, Recording Secretary over many months enabled $50,000 bring a Tribute Fund or Legacy Fund Islanda Khau Naughton in scholarships to be awarded to 32 up to Named Scholarship Level, or Yutaka Kobayashi, deserving high school students. Four established by the board of directors. Awards Committee National Liaison board members attended the awards If you would like more information Phuoc Van Le ceremony, joining parents, siblings, on starting a Named Fund or James McIlwain friends, and supporters in celebrating contributing to an already existing Laura H. Misumi their achievements. one, please contact us. Keith Schuricht May O. Takayanagi To date, the NSRC Fund has SPECIAL RECOGNITION to Phitsamay Sychitkokhong Uy awarded nearly 900 scholarships David Aman of Hanover, NH who totaling nearly $910,000. We will is in charge of the Fund’s database, be reaching the 1000/$1Million mailing list and in general, keeper of milestone in a few years. The board the information. David has been with of directors remains an all-volunteer us for over 15 years. We cannot do group. We are committed to keeping our work without you. operating costs to a minimum so that gifts to the Fund go primarily towards The 2017 scholarships will be scholarships. (The NSRC Fund’s awarded in Lowell, Massachusetts financial statement is made available and the potential area covered will upon written request.) As of July 1, be eastern Massachusetts and Rhode 2016 the Fund stands at just over $1.6 Island. Thank you to board member million dollars. Phitsamay Uy who has agreed to

NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG IN THEIR OWN WORDS

ALEC SENG HILARY PHAM CHARLIE CHANSIRI Tama and Jiro Ishihara scholarship American Friends Service Lafayette and Mayme Noda recipient Committee scholarship recipient scholarship recipient

I come from a family who I grew up on the north side I want to acknowledge my has suffered and survived the of Chicago in Albany Park, a appreciation towards my parents Cambodian genocide and migrated neighborhood known for its ethnic for their unconditional love and to America for better opportunity diversity but did not include many support on my journey; they have because America was seen as a other Asian families. My parents, supported me every step of the sanctuary and as a place where both proud of their Vietnamese way and continue to believe in all of one could start over and achieve and Chinese backgrounds, took the my endeavors. Their discipline has anything as long as they worked situation in stride and never let my allowed me to see the potential in hard enough. My family escaped to surroundings hinder me. When my my own abilities and utilize the skills I America in 1981 as refugees from the mother was fourteen years old, she have obtained. Khmer Rouge and was sponsored escaped from Vietnam with only to live in Chicago to start a better her two younger sisters, the clothes Establishing a goal is one part, but life. This wasn't easy because they on their backs, and sights set on the manifesting the goal in reality is the didn't know much English and future. For two years, she lived in a progression. Establishing goals are didn't have any experience living in refugee camp in Malaysia. It wasn't important because they evolve an a first world country. Because of the until President Carter changed the experience. Experiences are a learning circumstances they were left with, immigration laws that she was able process, and that's exactly what life they were forced to accept any jobs to come to America. Even without truly is, a learning experience. What that they could get in order to survive knowing any English or having is important is not how you achieve and thrive in America. completed a formal education, my a goal, but rather how you can apply mother lived with a foster family the experience to your life. Growing up, I never really had and attended a high school in guidance for my education. I Bloomington, Illinois then earned a My advisor, Mr. Alan Thavisouk, understood that my parents didn't degree from the University of Illinois made me realize one of the most speak much English and didn't have at Chicago. important lesson in life, the power much of an education, however, they of your voice. He has taught did their best to try and support me Education was the ticket that enabled me the values of leadership and in any way they could. My parents my family to move towards the communication through volunteering, always said, "Stay in school, always dream they carried to America. I will continue to improve and apply try your best, and always work hard, Those same study skills that my them for the rest of my life. and there is no way that you can fail." parents taught me along with the I still put 110% into everything I do in inclination to explore new areas have I would like to thank the committee order to make my parents proud and melded. I plan to study International of the Nisei Student Relocation to reach my full potential. Business and Economics. I hope to Commemorative Fund for not one day work for the government only this scholarship to further my My parents instilled in me an or a global organization and create education, but for advocating the appreciation for learning. Thanks to economic legislation that will give values of those who paved the road them and the NSRCF scholarship, back to communities across the before us and for inspiring the next I am one step closer to making my country. and future generations to go beyond dreams come true. their potential threshold.

NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND 4 LAFAYETTE AND MAYME NODA computers. By making a computer one As a member of Lao Youth Leaders SCHOLARSHIP second faster, that’s one more second to she promoted Lao culture but also help save a life, to help cure cancer, to gained a better understanding of Lao Charlie help change the world.” He is attending health problems. She says, “My parents Chansiri (South is St Olaf College in Northfield, suffered through so many hardships in Elgin HS ) Minnesota. order to give my sisters and me a better is attending life and that is why I want to become a teacher. I want to spread knowledge and Loyola YUTAKA AND MAUREEN inspire the next generation.” University KOBAYASHI SCHOLARSHIP in Chicago Phoebe HISAYE HAMAOKA MOCHIZUKI planning Hoang SCHOLARSHIP to major in biochemistry because it (Waubonsie involves the study of all living organisms, Valley HS) Vivian Lam yet integrates chemical properties is attending (Amundsen at a molecular level. He says, “Prior Indiana HS) was to becoming a doctor, a degree in University’s active on the biochemistry will be adequate to Kelley School swim team understanding health and disease to of Business and National improve the qualities of life. It is my to pursue a degree in Finance and Honor belief that now is the time for change. Economic Consulting. She was active in Society, and I aspire to save lives and to make a Business Professional America, DECA, volunteered difference; I believe that through and Key Club International, and her at a local hospital. One teacher said, hard work and dedication anything is teachers said, “She is a hard working “She is modest, intelligent and hard- possible.” student who instinctively knows how working and is respected by both her to motivate others to give their best teachers and her peers.” Vivian is the first in her family to go to college. She COLONEL JOSEPH Y. KURATA efforts” and “Her classmates respect loves working with children and her SCHOLARSHIP her and see her as a leader.” These traits will suit her as she aspires to be in dream is to help them by becoming Nathan investment banking in New York City. a pediatric nurse. To that end, she is Chin (CICS attending Loyola University Chicago in Northtown the Nursing Program. Academy) GLADYS ISHIDA STONE always SCHOLARSHIP NOBU AND YOSH HIBINO considered Thidachanh SCHOLARSHIP himself Veda Kethdy a people (Elgin HS) BaoTran Le person. He is attending (Niles West loves making people laugh and smile, Elgin HS) was an but most importantly he loves helping Community active leader people create a positive outlook for College and in the Literacy their lives. He also loves math and plans then plans Center, on becoming a computer hardware to transfer NARWHALS engineer. He says, “I want to use my to Illinois State University. Thidachanh ecology club, math skills to build stronger and faster is a first generation Laotian American. continued on next page

NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG DECA, National Honor Society, and the which has made him consider becoming AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE founder of the DIY Club to find creative a psychologist to help him have a better COMMITTEE SCHOLARSHIP ways to give back to the community. understanding of the human mind and Her goal is to “fuse philanthropy and help others in need. Tommy is attending Hilary Pham business” to help her community the University of Illinois Urbana- (Whitney grown and thrive. She is attending the Champaign. M. Young University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Magnet HS) As captain of in the College of Business where she MITSU AND DR. KOTARO MURAI the Scholastic hopes to acquire the skills to become a SCHOLARSHIP` socially-conscious entrepreneur. Bowl, Francis Dinh treasurer of (Glenbard the Science AUDREY LOGAN SCHOLARSHIP East HS) Olympiad and member of the National Lisa Le Through his Honor Society Hilary learned to speak (Rich Woods many athletic, up and lead. She wants a college HS) was volunteer education that will allow her to receive a recognized as and musical well-rounded education and to explore a 2016 Illinois activities, different subjects. She is attending the State Scholar, Francis says he University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was active in has learned persistence, looking out for in the College of Business. She would the National others, perseverance and leadership. He like to work for the government in Honor also became interested in biotechnology the future, either as a consultant or a Society, Interact Club, and Spanish Club. and would like to travel to less fortunate lobbyist. She is attending Bradley University countries to create affordable treatments in Peoria in the Pre-Med program in for specific diseases and problems using SHIM AND CHIYO HIRAOKA the College of Education and Health biotechnology. He is attending the SCHOLARSHIP Sciences. She hopes to have a career in University of Illinois at Chicago to pursue the medical field, either as a pharmacist, that degree. Christopher Rattanasamay nurse or doctor. She says, “Since my (Bartlett parents never had the opportunity to go HS) is active HIROKO FUJITA AND PAUL to college and obtain a degree, I want to in the Lao FUKAMI SCHOLARSHIP achieve this dream for them.” community, Jennimai was co- Nguyen DR. KENJI MURASE president of (Mundelein SCHOLARSHIP Lao Youth HS) was Leaders, Tommy Mai a varsity and enjoys (Von Steuben cheerleader HS) was seen helping to raise awareness of his who worked culture by playing traditional music. as a leader part time after in school, He is an aspiring computer science school, was a major and hopes to become a video he was a member of the National Honor Society, member of game developer, “Having a passion for and editor of both the school newspaper something will lead to greater success.” the National and yearbook. Her interest in writing Honor He is attending the College of DuPage and communication has led her to for his first year and plans to transfer to a Society, started the Vietnamese Club, Northwestern University’s Medill School and helping to establish the first Key four year university to get his Bachelor’s of Journalism. She aspires to a career degree in Computer Science. Club at his high school. He has had to at a major publication like the New York overcome obstacles in his home life Times or Vogue. continued on next page

NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND 6 TAMA AND JIRO ISHIHARA MICHIHIKO AND BERNICE MICHI NISHIURA WEGLYN SCHOLARSHIP HAYASHIDA SCHOLARSHIP SCHOLARSHIP Alec Seng Natalie Somphonhphakdy (Larkin HS) Amy Tran’s (Warren Natalie (Amundsen Township was active HS) HS) finds in student high school inspiration in government, activism his parents’ honor societies, included difficult cheerleading, Asian journey to HOSA, and Americans America. the Health Advancing “I have deep respect for them being Care Science Justice and KINETIC, Chicago’s able to support a family. They always Program. Through volunteer immigrant and refugee youth told me to stay in school and try hard opportunities, she discovered she enjoys empowerment program. Through her in everything in order to success.” Alec working with children. Natalie’s goal is to activism she learned public speaking was a member of the National Honor be a nurse practitioner in either the labor/ skills, problem–solving and effective Society, Feed My Starving Children, delivery unit or the neonatal intensive care communication. Amy is attending Mother Earth’s Concerned Students, unit. Natalie is attending Loyola University Loyola University. She remains and several other organizations. He is in Chicago. committed to raising awareness about attending DePaul University and hopes issues of immigration and poverty. to become a dermatologist to help ALICE ABE MATSUMOTO people. He sees college as one step SCHOLARSHIP KAY YAMASHITA SCHOLARSHIP closer to living his dreams and making Alexus Angel Thongsakounh’s Lalita my family proud. (Elgin HS) Wong, extracurriculars (Northside KAIZO AND SHIZUE NAKA in high school College SCHOLARSHIP included Preparatory Branstarr HOSA, Food HS) played Shihanath for Greater violin in (Larkin HS) Elgin, Youth the school is passionate United Way, orchestra, about Visual cross country and volunteered at the South-East Asia Arts. She was and track and field. She is attending the Center where she worked with children, a part of her University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign opening her eyes to the possibility of high school’s in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences teaching. Some of her hobbies include Visual Arts program as a premed student and hopes practicing the violin, reading (fantasy Academy, and mentored an elementary to attain her dream of becoming a Nurse and historical), and playing with her school program that empowered young Practitioner in a pediatric office. niece. Lalita would like to become girls through the arts. Branstarr plans to an English teacher. She is attending use her artistic abilities in college and DePaul University. will major in Art Education at Illinois State University. Her goal is to become a teacher where she hopes to inspire youth through visual arts in school as well as in their community.

NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG Anh Ngoc Bien (Holy Trinity HS) Kevin Nguyen (Elgin HS) Kobe Raksinh (Elgin HS) Northeastern Illinois University University of Illinois, Chicago Elgin Community College

Andy Chai (Elgin HS) Lily Nguyen (Glenbard North HS) Karisma Saymiknha (Centennial HS) Parkland College Pathway Program to Loyola University Illinois State University University of Illinois Sean Nguyen (Hoffman Estates HS) Nattaly Sivankham (South Elgin HS) Xaly Channakhone (Elgin HS) University of Illinois, Chicago Michigan State University Elgin Community College Panida Dar Phetsavanh Zackery Tao (Maine West HS) Warren Lam (Amundsen HS) (Rockford East HS) DePaul University Harry S. Truman College, Chicago Rock Valley College

John Loeung (John Hersey HS) Somchy Phomsopha (Guilford HS) Ferris State University Carroll University

SHIM AND CHIYO HIRAOKA SCHOLARSHIP (Established her way through school honing her but eventually found acceptance, by Ann secretarial skills. raised three daughters, and Graybill assimilated. Shim established a sole Cook, That encounter led to their law practice, became a Rotarian, Michael internment camp wedding in 1943. Mason, VFW leader, and both Hoshiko, Shim soon after enlisted with the were members of the Japanese family and 442nd Regimental Combat Team Congregational Church. With friends) and participated in the famed children finally of age, Chiyo put “Rescue of the Lost Battalion” and those same superb skills to work at Were it not for working together in the liberation of Bruyeres in France. Fresno State College. the legal office of the Gila River War Chiyo at just age 20 led seven Relocation Center in Arizona, the family members out of Gila to the In 2000, the family learned that an chances of Yoshimi Roger “Shim” East Coast where she found work in NSRCF Tribute Fund had been Hiraoka and Lily Chiyoko Tsukahara Philadelphia as a nanny/housekeeper. established for them by life-long ever crossing paths would have been During the day, Chiyo used her friend Ann Graybill Cook and highly unlikely. It was there that Shim, superb stenographic/secretarial skills Michael Hoshiko. Through the son of immigrant farmers of Del Rey, at the National Japanese American generosity and memorial gifts of California, graduate of UC Berkeley Student Relocation Council, working family and friends, their fund reached and San Francisco Law School, and a for Field Director Tom Bodine. the Named Scholarship level. We California State Bar certified attorney At WWII’s end, Shim and Chiyo lost Shim in 2004, and Chiyo in 2013. met Santa Barbara-born Chiyo, made their way back to Fresno, Condensing their 61 years together daughter of immigrant produce California. They still faced prejudice house owners, who had worked because of their Japanese ancestry, continued on next page

NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND 8 YUTAKA AND MAUREEN KOBAYASHI SCHOLARSHIP (Established by Maureen Kobayashi) local scholarship awards committees, developed a “how to” manual for Yutaka was born and raised in them; and produced a DVD about San Francisco. In 1942 he and his the NSRCF. Yutaka has also written a family were sent to the Topaz, Utah book, “A Nisei’s American Odyssey” concentration camp. He was able to which chronicles his life, memories, leave Topaz in January 1943 through observations and lessons learned the aid of the National Japanese about the internment experience. American Student Relocation He continues to speak about this at Council to attend college, eventually churches, schools and various social earning a Ph.D. in biochemistry. groups.

He is an expert in liquid scintillation During her professional life, financial advisor to seniors; and counting, and retired from DuPont in Maureen headed the lab at New English language speaking aide. 1995. Yutaka is an avid tennis player. England Nuclear which synthesized Maureen is also a world traveler, In 2014 at the young age of 90, he radioactive nucleosides needed by hiker, biker, tennis player and achieved a longtime goal when the research biochemists world-wide. swimmer. As a committed supporter USTA ranked him the #1 U.S. tennis When she hit the “glass ceiling,” of the NSRCF, and member of its player in singles and doubles in that she decided to attend night school, Investment Committee, she was age group. Yutaka joined the board earned her MBA, and then switched instrumental in lobbying the board of the Nisei Student Relocation to the finance department of the to change to a very successful, yet Commemorative Fund (NSRCF) company. Maureen has dedicated responsible, investment strategy. in 1992, and served as its president much of her time, considerable Maureen wanted to establish this from 1998 to 2002. He undertook energy and many skills to community Scholarship Fund in tribute for all a major revision of the by-laws; he service. She has been a president of Yutaka has done for the NSRCF, but and Maureen organized the Fund’s the local American Cancer Society; true to form, he insisted “we do it 20th anniversary celebration; he hospice volunteer; science mentor together.” serves as the national liaison to the at elementary and high schools;

HIRAOKA Every day is my second chance, so no more regret, no more turning back, and I will be cont’d. moving on. My future starts with my own decisions...it is never too late. Just like going is not easy. They represent to to college, if you don’t get to go to college their family, now into its “Gosei” right after your high school year, it doesn’t 5th generation, the strength, mean you can’t go forever. As long as you endurance, resiliency, and resolve are willing to learn, there’s always someone of our Nisei forebears. They are who’s willing to teach. I will do my very missed and remembered with best when I go to college, and I will make deep love and gratitude. Now the support from NSRCF worth it. with a Named Scholarship their story, this legacy, is cemented in - Xaly Channakhon perpetuity. (2016 Scholarship Awardee)

NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG RYOZO GLENN KUMEKAWA SCHOLARSHIP (Established on the need to expand the funding Providence. He is a Professor by Joanne K. base; seeking opportunities for Emeritus of the Intergovernmental Kumekawa, corporate outreach; expanding the Policy Analysis Program of the friends and size and composition of the board; University of Rhode Island, and family) and raising discussion about the served as Chair of the Graduate process by which scholarships are Program of Community Planning Ryozo awarded. During his presidency, the and Area Department. Glenn Fund’s mission statement was further Kumekawa clarified, the board was restructured; Glenn made the NSRCF board’s played levels of scholarship giving were work a joy and a privilege. He a critical role in the growth and expanded; grants were sought and steadfastly focused on the development of the Nisei Student received; new informational materials importance of the Fund’s efforts to Relocation Commemorative Fund were developed; and the board of commemorate the WWII evacuation (NSRCF) for 21 years - as an directors transitioned to a younger, and internment, and the generosity involved supporter, a board member, more diverse group. and goodness of people who reached and as president of the board. across race differences and wartime In 1992, Glenn was well-qualified to With a deep and abiding hatred to offer a helping hand to chair the Southern New England commitment to his beloved Rhode young Japanese Americans. As one Awards Committee, having been Island, Glenn was the Director of of those young Japanese Americans responsible for designing the Planning of Warwick; Executive helped by the National Japanese strategic use of federal funds for Assistant to the Governor for American Student Relocation Rhode Island’s response to the arrival Policy and Program; and Executive Council, he left the Topaz, Utah of 12,000 Southeast Asian so-called Director of the Coalition of internment camp for college in “Boat People” needing relocation Northeast Governors (CONEG) Maine. Decades later he continues and resettlement assistance. In 1998, Policy Research Center. He served to inspire the board’s efforts to reach he joined the NSRCF board of on the Design Review Committee out in that same spirit of “ongaeshi” - directors, assuming the presidency of the Capital Center Commission, repaying a kindness. in 2002. He focused his participation to develop and preserve downtown

I WILL FOREVER BE GRATEFUL FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP [Ed. note: Mor Xiong was a 2003 attended three years of community vulnerable population. After one year, scholarship recipient from Portland, college for general education and I wanted to advance my education and Oregon. Thanks to Development pre-nursing. In 2006, I was admitted enrolled in the RN to BSN program at Committee members Jim McIlwain to the Nursing Program at Portland Linfield College-School of Nursing. and Phuoc Le for keeping in touch Community College, graduated with It was hard going back to school with former recipients. Following is an an Associate of Applied Science having to balance working full time excerpt from a letter she sent to them.] in Nursing in 2008, and became and having a family (I am a mother licensed as a Registered Nurse in of three). But with perseverance and During high school I always knew the State of Oregon. I began work commitment I graduated with my BSN that I wanted to become a nurse and immediately as an RN staff at a in 2011 and I was then promoted to to serve the community. After having local Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation received the scholarship in 2003, I Center taking care of the elderly and continued on next page

NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND 10 COLONEL JOSEPH Y. KURATA SCHOLARSHIP (Established by Col. Joseph Y. Kurata) the Defense Intelligence School. preserve Through the GI Bill he was able to the Crissy Colonel Joseph Y. Kurata was born achieve his aspiration of obtaining a Field in Lodi, California. He and his family college education from the University hangar were interned at Rohwer, Arkansas of Maryland’s overseas extension and where the in 1942. When Joe left Rohwer he night classes. In Vietnam he served as first MIS went to work in Cleveland, Ohio CIC staff officer with Headquarters, Language and was drafted into the Army in Military Assistance Command. School September 1944. He was awaiting After serving 32 years in the military, class met shipment to Europe when Germany during which he rose from private in 1941. surrendered so he was sent instead to to colonel, he retired in 1976 at the Joe also enjoyed being a fishing Camp Ritchie in Maryland with the Presidio, San Francisco. mentor to visiting grandchildren. first group of Nisei soldiers to receive counterintelligence (CIC) training Joe met and married his late The 2015 Named Scholarship for eventual duty in the Pacific. For wife Shirley in Yokohama in 1946. recipients’ stories reminded Joe of Joe, this marked the beginning of a He has three children and three his own experiences as a child of lifelong career in the Army. grandchildren. He resides in San immigrant parents. His parents taught Upon finishing CIC training, he Francisco and was chapter president their children to ignore the prevailing and about 85 fellow Nisei soldiers of the Army Counterintelligence prejudice and discrimination against shipped out to Japan for duty with Corps Veterans; a member of MIS Asians and strive to study hard and the Occupation. Joe’s service also NORCAL; a member of the Board excel academically. Joe said, “After took him to Korea. Back stateside of Directors of the Fort Point & reading the scholarship recipients’ he attended the Army Intelligence Presidio Historical Association; and educational and career goals, I was School, the Army Command participated in discussions with the inspired to support your worthy and General Staff School, and National Park Service hoping to program.”

FOREVER GRATEFUL cont’d. Resident Care Manager. say, this job change has been very I have enjoyed working rewarding. in the rehab specialty, but after almost seven I humbly and proudly admit that I years I wanted to return am first generation college graduate to providing patient care in my family since immigrating to in an acute care setting the United States in 1990 and NSRC and something more Fund had made it possible. I will challenging. I recently took forever be grateful for the scholarship an RN staff position at one and will encourage my children to of Portland’s Level one apply for the scholarship in the future. trauma hospital (Legacy Emanuel Medical Center) Again, thank you. in the Medical Telemetry/ Sincerely, Stroke unit. I have to Mor Xiong, RN BSN

NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG IN MEMORIAM: ROBERT J. MAEDA (1932-2016) Former NSRCF board member, of Michigan and Ph.D from Harvard Robert J. Maeda passed away on University in Asian Art History. In January 30, 2016. Bob served as a 1967, he was hired as the first Asian director from 2003 to 2014. In those American professor to teach Asian 11 years he provided leadership, Art at Brandeis University, spending guidance and support for the Fund, his entire teaching career there, always quietly, humorously, steadily. retiring in 2000. A prolific scholar, his research focused on paintings Bob was born in El Centro, California from the Sung Dynasty as well as and in 1942, the family was removed the Japanese American artist Isamu and interned at Poston, Arizona Noguchi. when Bob was just 9 years old. Upon leaving Poston, the family went Bob was a leader in the to Chicago. Bob received his B.A. Massachusetts Japanese American in Western Art History from the community. He served as president University of Illinois. He then served of the New England Chapter of the enjoyed the camaraderie and eight years in the US Army and Japanese American Citizens League, fellowship of the board and it was Army Reserves achieving the rank of and was a member of the NSRCF mutual. Having retired from the Specialist, 4th Class. Bob received his awards and finance committees, board in 2014, he was already sorely master’s degree from the University lending advice and expertise. He missed.

MY PARENTS’ STORY IS CEMENTED IN PERPETUITY BY SHELLEY KURATA

We are pleased this year’s “appeal program with letter” writer is Shelley Kurata of her daughter Gardena, California. Shelley is a Courtney to Baby Boomer Sansei, eldest of personally and three daughters, born and raised very proudly in the San Joaquin Valley town of present the Fresno. She matriculated from (then) first Shim and Fresno State College with a B.A. Chiyo Hiraoka and teaching credential, eventually Scholarship. moving to teach in Southern California. Married, mother, and now As a longtime grandmother, she continues to work supporter of the NSRCF she says, “I fresh in my mind. The connection in a small law practice. She attended know I have never taken for granted with the WWII Student Relocation 2015’s awards ceremony in Oakland the fact that my parents were Council and NSRCF is very real as to and was inspired to raise her parents’ who they were and each day I am how the history relates to my parents’ fund to a Named Scholarship. With reminded of it even more. Their lives wartime experiences. With a Named the help of family she succeeded and their stories are separated by just Scholarship their story is cemented in and this year attended the Chicago a generation but this history remains perpetuity.”

NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND 12 The Nisei Student Relocation Commemoration Fund’s annual awards are made possible by contributions from individuals and organizations. Named Scholarships, Legacy Funds and Tribute Funds enable anyone, including organizations, to honor, commemorate or pay tribute to individuals, groups or events. If you would like information about establishing a Named Scholarship Fund (minimum $20,000), a Legacy Fund (minimum $10,000) or a Tribute Fund (minimum $2,000), please contact the NSRCF: 19 Scenic Drive, Portland, CT 06480.

The following funds have been established, and are designated by who created them, * and ( ). The Board of Directors is grateful for the generous support these funds have received, as noted, during the period from October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016.

NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS Kyle, Jodi, Remi & Tate Kurata Sharon Kotabe Shelley Kurata Akio Mochizuki American Friends Service Committee* Tara Mochizuki and Jeffrey Chu Michael Furuta and Diane Sakai-Furuta Tama (Yoshimura) and Jiro Ishihara Judy Nakadegawa (Jiro Ishihara, NSRCF board of Koh, Mitsu, and Dr. Kotaro Murai directors, family and friends of Tama (The Murai Family) Hiroko Fujita and Paul Fukami and Jiro Ishihara) Mary Murai (Joyce M. Fukami) Nancy Ishihara Takuro Nakae Bill and Sumie Murakami Michihiko and Bernice Hayashida* Dr. Kenji Murase Jane Beckwith Yutaka and Maureen Kobayashi (Friends and family) Frances Hayashida (Maureen Kobayashi) Paul Hayashida Maureen Kobayashi Kaizo and Shizue Naka Susan Hayashida (F. Robert and Patricia Naka) Ryozo Glenn Kumekawa Nobu (Kumekawa) and Yosh Hibino (Joanne K. Kumekawa, family and Lafayette and Mayme Noda (Michihiko and Bernice Hayashida, friends) (Walter N. Frank) family and friends) Anonymous Eldora Adachi Karen & Steve Fugita Art Kobayashi Noreen Enkoji Mary Hanamura Susan Kishi & David Schuricht Frances Hayashida Colonel Joseph Y. Kurata Miho Kunzer Michihiko and Bernice Hayashida (Col. Joseph Y. Kurata) Joan Longcope Diane Hibino and John Triplett Col. Joseph Y. Kurata Kay Nishiyama & David Noda Jean Hibino “in memory of Sus Ito” Susan & James Wright Shirley Hibino Audrey Logan Stephen, Elizabeth & Max Hibino (Kesaya Noda) Gladys Ishida Stone Cathy Inamasu and Jay Wong Kay Nishiyama and David Noda (Gladys Ishida Stone) Jim and Toby Kubota Hannah Tani Hogan Lorraine and Forrest Minor Alice Abe Matsumoto Judy & George Murakami Michio Nakajima (Family and friends) Medtronic matching gift Marisa Rivero & Michael McNulty Hannah Tani Hogan Nancy and Jack Sneider Steven Matsumoto Michi Nishiura Weglyn* Michio Nakajima Stanley Kanzaki Shim and Chiyo Hiraoka (Ann Graybill Patricia Tanaka Cook and Michael Hoshiko) Kay Yamashita Anonymous Hisaye Hamaoka Mochizuki (Yutaka Kobayashi) Anna Kato (Akio Mochizuki) Howard & Jane Boltz Cathryn Kato & Daryl Lapp Misao Inaba Neil Dion & Jennifer Gladden Courtney Kurata Robert and Lynne Ishikawa continued on next page

NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG Martha Uyeki TRIBUTE FUNDS Susan Kishi and David Schuricht Tad & Fran Wada Kay Nishiyama & David Noda Asako Yamashita David Aman (Lafayette and Mayme Noda) Harutoyo and Haru Kobayashi LEGACY FUNDS (Yutaka and Maureen Kobayashi) Ann Graybill Cook* John Dubeck & Susan Hotine Thomas R. Bodine* Warren Uchimoto Monroe E. Deutsch* Yuri and William Kochiyama (Michi and Walter Weglyn) Joseph R. Goodman Woody and Betty Emlen* (Ryozo G. Kumekawa) Warren Uchimoto Haru and Keiroku Kumekawa John Goodman & Kerry King on behalf (Nobu and Yosh Hibino) of the Goodman Family Kei Enomoto (Jiro J. Enomoto) Denji Dan Kuniyoshi Suezo and Kikuyo Hayashida (Anna Kuniyoshi) (Michihiko and Bernice Hayashida) Emi Kimura Fujii Frances Hayashida (Midori Fujii and Sono Fujii) Judge William M. and Michihiko and Bernice Hayashida Sono Fujii Victoria Marutani (David K. Nitta) Dr. Chosaburo Kato Yasuko Fujita (Kane and Rose Senda) (Joyce M. Fukami) Susan T. Matsumoto K. Nanae & Thomas Miles (Alice and Yo Matsumoto) Livingston Yamato Colony Pioneers Steven Matsumoto (Lafayette and Mayme Noda) Junzo and Ito Hibino Susan Kishi and David Schuricht (Yosh and Nobu Hibino) Nobu Miyoshi (Yoshiko and Ryozo Glenn Kumekawa) Eleanor and Emil Sekerak Tom Imagawa Memorial Fund (Michihiko and Bernice Hayashida) (Mrs. Tom Imagawa and Family) Takashi and Yuri Moriuchi* Frances Hayashida Kay Nishiyama & David Noda Michihiko and Bernice Hayashida James Zenichi Imamoto Susan Kishi & David Schuricht (Grace Imamoto Noda) Naka Endowment (Fumio Robert Naka) Hikokuma and Koyoshi Shigeno Julius Ishida Memorial (Calvin Ishida) John W. Nason* (Ted K. Shigeno, Agnes Miyakawa, Calvin Ishida (Yoshiko and Ryozo Glenn Kumekawa) Rosie Tani, and Florence Kawagoe) Warren Uchimoto Frank and Hisako Ishikawa Family David Mitsuo Takagi* (Michi I. Tashjian) Dr. Lee Lowry Neilan Barbara Takagi (Yoshiko and Ryozo Glenn Kumekawa) Jennifer Takagi & Brian Taylor The Issei Generation Mary E. Takagi (Lillian Ota Dotson) Prof. Mabel M. Nemoto (Atsuko Hirai) Bobby and Lily Takatsuka Elinor Umezawa Kajiwara (Bobby and Lily Takatsuka) (Elinor U. Kajiwara) Masamoto and Kimi Nishimura Bobby and Lily Takatsuka (Rhoda Nishimura Iyoya, Dwight Jin and Kay Kinoshita Nishimura, Joseph Nishimura, Trudy King Toll* (Jin and Kay Kinoshita) Jonathan Nishimura) Warren Uchimoto Fred Kishi Shichiro and Sachi Noda (Susan M. Kishi) (Lafayette and Mayme Noda) Kimiko Kishi Janice Abe Kay Nishiyama & David Noda continued on next page

NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND 14 Sekizo and Kinuko Nomura * The NSRC Fund board of directors Ronald & Irene Nakasone (Mary S. Ozamoto) established these and the following Ngoc-Diep T. Nguyen funds in the hope that what happened Hiro & Sumie Nishikawa Chiura and Haruko Obata during World War II will never be Mariette Norbom (Eugene Kodani) forgotten, and that future generations Roger Ozaki will have the opportunity to receive a Hinako Regier & George Kalhorn Bob O’Brien higher education: “in memory of Bob Maeda” (Mrs. Chihiro Kikuchi) David & Maryellen Sakura Amy Mass Amache Alumni Tribute Fund Masu Sasajima Yone & Daisy Satoda Fumi Yokoyama Ono Gila River Alumni Tribute Fund Ida Nakashima Schneck (Janice Ono, Frank Ono, R. Dana Ono) Takeo Shirasawa Heart Mountain Alumni Tribute Fund George Suzuki Madeleine Haas Russell/ Rose Tanaka Columbia Foundation Jerome Alumni Tribute Fund Nob & Michi Tanji (Glenn Ryozo Kumekawa) Peter Trinh Manzanar Alumni Tribute Fund Laura Uba Margaret Cosgrave Sowers* Margie Yamamoto & Mark Hopkins Minidoka Alumni Tribute Fund Mary Yee & Paul Uyehara Bill Stevenson* Nobuo Yutani Poston Alumni Tribute Fund Paul Watanabe Taichi and Sachiye Takagi Rose & Walter Zydlewski (David and Barbara, and Mary Rohwer Alumni Tribute Fund Elizabeth Takagi) Topaz Alumni Tribute Fund Charles William Tanioka (Anna T. Kuniyoshi) Tule Lake Alumni Legacy Fund

UC Berkeley Student YWCA THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS (Mary Yamashiro Otani) The NSRC Fund Board of Directors Yoshiko Uchida extends its thanks to the following (Virginia Scardigli) contributors to the general fund:

Paul R. Wada Rosanna Alfaro (Yasuko and Yukio Wada) Tina & Peter Barnet Peter Bien Yukio Wada Erica Brinton (Yasuko Wada and Family) Roger Buckley Caroline Chang Michi N. and Walter Weglyn Roger & Judith Daniels (Robert H. and Agnes Suzuki, Lafayette Gail Green and Mayme Noda, and Nobu Hibino) Gary K. Hart Herbert & Miiko Horikawa Mabel Sheldon Williams* Wayne Itano & Frances R. Ogasawara Christine Yoshinaga-Itano Suzy Katsuda Reiko Azumano Yasui Jack & Sue Kennedy (George I. Azumano) Stephanie D. Klein Rachel Yasui Phuoc Le In memory of George I. Azumano Elizabeth Muench

NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND, INC. 19 Scenic Drive Portland, Connecticut 06480

MISSION STATEMENT The NSRC Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in New England that annually awards scholarships to students from underserved communities pursuing higher education. The NSRC Fund was established in 1980 by second generation Japanese Americans, Nisei, in gratitude to the National Japanese American Student Relocation Council. The Council made it possible for the Nisei to leave the World War II prison camps for colleges and universities across the United States. The NSRC Fund encourages inter-ethnic collaboration and promotes public awareness and understanding of the forced removal and internment of 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry during World War II.