The California Japanese American Alumni Association honored several retired trustees at the Big Game Dinner 2002. Honored in attendance were Bill Fujita, Akio Mochizuki, Hatsuro Aizawa, George Yasukochi and John Tateishi. Without their dedication and hard work through the years, CJAAA's scholarship and internship programs and other benefits to Japanese American students, would not have been possible.
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| John Tateishi |
The event was held on occasion of CJAAA's 50th Anniversary since incorporation. Student scholarship and internship award winners were also present. In the wake of Cal's big win over Stanford and the backdrop of music performed by the Allegro String Quartet, the celebration proved especially memorable for all.
CJAAA's trust fund was created from the sale of Euclid Hall, a housing unit built by the Japanese American community in 1923 to serve Japanese American students facing discriminatory practices at UC Berkeley. Leased to the University Students Cooperative Association during WWII when students of Japanese ancestry were interned, it was later reclaimed in 1948. By 1972, its original purpose was no longer necessitated, so the building was sold to the USCA. The proceeds were entrusted to CJAAA to benefit the scholarly pursuits of Japanese American students at UC Berkeley. The organization's scholarship program was eventually expanded to include all UC campuses. CJAAA also sponsors student internships each year and makes other charitable contributions to Japanese American community groups.
