From President Drake: Celebrating Asian / Pacific American Heritage Month
May 28, 2024 •
President Drake shared the following message in the May issue of UCnetwork.
UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D.
This May at the University of California, we have been observing Asian / Pacific American Heritage Month. Every year we relish this opportunity to recognize the rich diversity of our UC communities of Asian / Pacific American faculty, staff, and students — and to appreciate the strength and beauty that these communities bring to our university community.
I am proud of the multitude of talents they contribute — just one recent example being the 2024 Pulitzer Prize winner for poetry announced earlier this month: UC San Diego faculty member Brandon Som, a Chicano and Chinese American poet.
We also continue to ensure that our student body and our workforce reflect the vast diversity and talent of our state, and to elevate diverse AAPI leaders and voices at every level. As of this spring, with UCLA receiving approval from the U.S. Department of Education, all nine of our undergraduate campuses are now recognized as eligible Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions.
As the month winds down, I hope you’ll have the chance to partake in at least one of the many events across our university honoring Asian / Pacific American Heritage Month.
Fiat Lux!
Michael V. Drake, M.D.
UC President
