Acknowledgements
Group interview with key figures in Asian American Studies at De Anza College. From
left to right: Francesca Caparas, Mae Lee, Susanne Chan, Paul Fong, Tom Izu, Michael
Chang, and Duane Kubo. Taken in May 2023.
We are so thankful for the enthusiasm and synchronicity of support that made possible Our Narrative: A History of Asian American Studies at De Anza College.
You could say this project launched in spring 2023. In May, Francesca Caparas (faculty in Asian American Studies, English, and Literature) and I hosted a group interview to capture a collective oral history. The invitees—Duane Kubo, Michael Chang, Paul Fong, Susanne Chan, and Tom Izu—were enthusiastic from the get-go and generously agreed to meet. It was unanimous that chronicling the history of Asian American Studies was important.
What took place was historic—a concerted effort to remember and document the history of Asian American Studies at De Anza. Lori Clinchard, from the California History Center, video recorded the gathering. Julius Paras, a friend of ASAM, took photographs. The three-hour conversation connected us through the practice of story-telling and linked us in a shared history. It was a heart-warming and inspiring afternoon.
Months later, I would have the good fortune of meeting Karen. Her foray into Asian American Studies classes resulted in a Research Internship that became the basis of this project...
During a career hiatus, I found myself at De Anza, where my first ASAM course with Mae set me on a new academic path. Knowing I was considering graduate school and needed research experience, Mae proposed the idea for this project.
Our Narrative has been profoundly shaped by Mae’s unwavering enthusiasm and support for unconventional ideas. Her openness to experiment with different mediums, including the graphic novel avatars inspired by Mira Jacob's "Good Talk," has infused this project with a depth and creativity that reflect her vision for Asian American Studies as a dynamic and evolving field.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the institutional and personal ties, built on years of collaboration and trust, that have brought this project to life. These relationships have been the foundation of this work and a testament to the collective spirit behind it.
This work builds on countless past and ongoing efforts—a true culmination of many contributions across time.
In addition to those already mentioned, we extend special thanks to the following individuals and organizations whose generosity made this project possible:
- Debbie Lee, Dean of Intercultural and International Studies, De Anza College
- Alex Swanner, Faculty Librarian, De Anza College
- Chris White, Archivist, Foothill-De Anza College District
- Brandon Bailey, Writer and Editor, Office of Communications, De Anza College
- Juan Diaz, Web Support Technician, Office of Communications, De Anza College
- Lupe Robles-Sane, Former Ethnic Studies Division Assistant, De Anza College
- Meili Gong, Friend of ASAM
- Julius Paras, Friend of ASAM
This project is an initiative of the Asian American and Asian Studies Department (ASAM) in partnership with the California History Center (CHC). It is part of a larger project, Asian American Storytelling in the Santa Clara Valley, funded by a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant, Voices of Silicon Valley: Using Heritage Discourse to Counteract Placelessness and Build Belonging. Additional support for the group interview in spring 2023 was generously provided by the Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute (APALI).
Our Narrative also benefited from the steadfast support of the Intercultural/International Studies (IIS) Division, home to ASAM and host of the annual Ethnic Studies Summit, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Division, which houses the CHC and oversees the administration of the NEH grant.
Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this website do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
