The 8th Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala by the Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce and Utah Asian Charitable Foundation

I just a attended an awarding event that highlighted respectable achievers in the Asian American community. It was such an honor and pride to be there and I can’t help but think of a recent conversation I had with a veteran, who I might say validated the ingenuity of Asians. He said he wanted to go back to school so he could teach Math as he stressed, “our children are losing it.” With his observation of academic leniency among our youth today, he expressed concern that America might lose its edge to China. Being Asian myself, I take pride in that but at the same time I don’t think it really is a bad thing – we are basically just becoming more – globally united. How about that? As much as I hate to bring up any topic that identifies any race, the “but’s” are quite obvious. I went to a college here in the US where 25% of the student body were international students from Asia who populated 40% of the honor roll.  English was our second language (third for me) but we spoke the language and we ace our English classes. Asian students excelled in Math and in computers and turned in their projects and homework  - on time! And I might add, we didn’t’ party, we just went to school, just eager to learn.  And oh, we didn’t watch TV that much either except for CNN. On the other hand, I don’t want to be an egotistic, ungrateful immigrant because with all truthfulness, it's this country that provided great resources and convenient facilities for these students to excel. I do hope that our young generation would see these resources and turn them into gold. And, I don't worry much about losing the edge to China. We just need China, period.

I felt really very privileged to have worked with the Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce this year to celebrate and award outstanding Asian Americans in the community.  It was  an honor to be one of the graphic designers and photographers for the event.

With the collaboration of the UACC board, we came up with a theme, designed to celebrate the Asian American and the Pacific Islander heritage month.

The committee is composed of volunteers and for such big an event, it’s impressive how the committee was able put together a well-coordinated event in a short amount of time.  Congratulations to the Gala committee!

 

Gala Chair, Maria Recto (2nd left) with family and event sponsors, Manny and Heidi Evangelista (right)

 Gala Committee

 Maria Celia Recto – Chair

 Agnes Higley – Co Chair

Board Members:

 Eunice Jones

 Ze Min Xiao

 Lisa Cheng

 Shilpi Culmer

 Mary Jose Smith   

 Rick Lam  

 Silvana Watanabe

 Judge Ray Uno

 Robert Rendon  

 Sindee Ngo

 Cindy Thomas 

 Leslie Nuon

 Roger Tsai   

 Sarah Lu 

 Pamela Okumura     

 Maria Maier 

 Shu Zhao      

 Yvonne Tran-Estrada

The event started with a silent auction, an avenue to generate funds for the organization's scholarship program. 

Hosted by lovely and articulate, Erin Collard of B98.7 FM, the show itself kicked off with a live drum beat as graceful, jovial polynesian dancers lined into the ballroom hall.  

Ailine's Touch of Polynesia

While enjoying a sumptuous dinner prepared by Executive Chef Scott Monell, the audience were entertained by the Katutubo Philippine Dance Ensemble. The cultural group presented a colorful pre-colonization royalty dance from the Southern part of Philippine called Singkil. 

The Katutubo Philippine Dance Ensemble, Singkil

Knowing the awardees and what they have accomplished is just the best of all! Their work and stories are quite an inspiration.

Honoring our Awardees:

2013 Outstanding Asian Professionals

Vivian S. Lee, MD. PhD, MBA

Dr. Vivian Lee has served as Senior VP for Health Sciences at the U of U, Dean of the University's School of Medicine, and CEO of University of Utah Health Care.  In this position, she is responsible for an annual budget of more than $2.3 billion; a healthcare system comprising of four hospitals, numerous clinical and research specialty centers like the Hunstman Cancer Institute and John Moran Eye Center, a network of 10 neighborhood health centers, an insurance plan, and over 1,200 board of certified physicians, and five colleges including the School of Medicine, of which she also serves as Dean, the College of Nursing, Pharmacy, Health and the most recently, Dentistry.

Michael Le, Principal Broker Trinamic Realty

Michael owns and manages over six commercial strip malls, downtown convenience stores and patented a novelty product that is being sold and distributed in many retail stores throughout the United States.  He also owns a manufactured home park with 40 units and 12 acres residential development zoned for 100 homes.

Xiaoming Sheng, Ph.D.  Chairman of Board of Governors, Chinese Association for Science and Technology, USA

Dr. Xiaoming Sheng received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Engineering from University of Science and Technology of China, and Ph.D. in Statistics from University of Alberta. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at University of Utah. He is co-director of the Study Design and Biostatistics Center at the University of Utah Center for Clinical and Translational Science, and appointed chair of the University's Statistics Committee and director of the Master of Statistics program in 2013-2016. He is a lifetime member of the Chinese Association for Science and Technology, USA and its Utah Chapter. He was elected CAST-USA President in 2012, and CAST-UT President in 2008 and 2009.

2013 Outstanding Asian Business Owner Awards

Eugene Han is the owner of the Ocean Mart, formerly known as Super China and Asian City Mall.   For over 15 years, he owned and operated Ocean Mart.  Eugene opened another store, Asian City, in 2012 where he employs over 70 people in both locations.  Ocean mart is one of the biggest Asian Grocery stores in the valley.  Asian City is tailored to Asian Arts and Crafts but also includes restaurant supplies, jewelries, cosmetic products, etc.

Imelda "Erni" Hernandez Armstrong is the President and CEO of Freestyle Marketing Group, an advertising agency.   Erni started this business in 2000. In 2012, Freestyle Marketing Group had capitalized billings of $2.53 million. The business has its 2013 projection set at $2.95 million- a 17% increase from last year.  From new business development to copywriting, account planning, and other roles within marketing -Erni's done it and she produced incredible results.  Her largest clients include Industrial Supply, Xinsurance, and Heatwurx.

Paul Seo is the owner of Creative Award, a trophy and award business.  Creative Awards started in 1976 after Paul's father left O.C. Tanner.  In 1986, Paul took over his father's business so that his Dad could finally retire.  Under Paul's management and new creative ideas in customizing awards, the business gradually expanded.  Out of state clients as far as New York has remained faithful and very pleased with Paul's creative attention to details and contemporary design. One of Paul's major achievements is making a pioneer breakthrough in this cookie cutter industry.

Utah Asian Charitable Foundation

2013 Scholars with Utah Asian Charitable Foundation Chair, Eunice Jones and Co-Chair, Robert Rendon

2013 Scholarship Recipients

$1000 Scholarship Recipients

Quyah Tram Pham is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah.  An immigrant from Vietnam, her father always reminds her “education is the only way you can change your life”.   Quyah is an active member of the Bennion Center Service Corp. and the Asian American Student Association. She has been awarded with several art and academic awards and honors in Mathematics and Physics.  “Participating in these organizations gives me the opportunity to help our community through variety of events, such as raising money for poor people and disabled children”. This scholarship is sponsored by Dr. Dinesh and Kalpana Patel.

Ler Wah is a refugee from Thailand, currently attending Salt Lake Community College.  His goal is to attain a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) at the University of Utah.  While attending school and working full-time to support his family, Ler also finds time to help in his community by helping the needy and those who are struggling with the English language.

Kevin Han migrated to United States from China with his family when he was 3 years of age.  Growing up, Kevin has always been fascinated with how and why things work, especially with the mechanics behind a car’s power train.  Because of this, he is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and he eventually wants to achieve his Master’s Degree.  Kevin is currently practicing as a support engineer at Edwards Life Sciences.  He is an active member of the Asian Student Association at Salt Lake Community College and the UOCA, organizations that raise awareness of the Asian cultures.

Victoria Au is attending Itineris Early College High School in West Jordan, with hopes to pursue a degree in Sports Science at the University of Utah.  Her dream is to become a physician one day. “I am passionate about helping those with health problems, especially those who are not able to obtain health care due to financial reasons. Making a difference and knowing I have changed someone’s life for the better is what’s most rewarding”. Victoria is currently a student liaison officer to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Campus Initiative Chapter at the University of Utah.

Emilio Camu is a 20-year old Filipino advocate of Asian Americans pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, minor in Asian American Studies at the University of Utah.  Emilio plans on pursuing a Master’s degree in either Educational Leadership & Policy or Asian American Studies, in order to obtain a position in Higher Education Student Affairs. “I want to be an advocate on an administrative level for Asians and Asian Americans in higher institutions especially for Middle East, Southeast and South Asian groups that have been underrepresented”.

Brian Truong is a sophomore student at the University of Utah. He is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology, preparatory to Dental Medicine.  Brian first started to explore his leadership skills and abilities by becoming Vice President of M.E.S.A, Bulletin Editor of Key Club, and becoming appointed as a Senator in West High School’s Student Government. “I identify myself as Vietnamese American because I believe that it is important to know and understand where one comes from.  This understanding gives an individual a greater social-psychological perspective on society and it helps diversify the community”.

Stephanie Yu is a freshman at the University of Utah.  She is currently in the cohort of the Diversity Scholars program and a member of the Honors College on campus.  She is involved in the Vietnamese American Student Association and Chinese American Association.   Stephanie also plans to double major in Business and Mandarin Chinese. “I am hoping to use these skills to form a friendly connection between China and the United States’ marketing system”.

500 Scholarship Recipients

Augustina Tang is a full-time student at Salt Lake Community College, as well as a high school student while maintaining a cumulative 3.9 GPA for both.  Augustina has deep interest in the environment and animals.

Sudha Shrestha is a junior at the University of Utah. She is currently working on a double major in Mass Communication and Sociology.  She is pursuing her PhD in Sociology and teaching as a professor. This scholarship is sponsored by Ishleen Management Corporation.

Thinh Nguyen is at freshman at the University of Utah. His dream is to expand the development of the aviation field and to graduate with a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. This scholarship is sponsored by Capital Trading.

Pang Prounh is a freshman at the Salt Lake Community College.  Her goal is to be the first Cambodian woman dentist in Salt Lake City. This scholarship is sponsored by First Utah Bank.

Karen Quach is a senior in high school and a sophomore in college.  She is currently on track for getting her Associate’s Degree in General Studies at Itineris Early College High School and Salt Lake Community College.

Alec Lam started his undergraduate studies at the University of Utah when he was 15. He has been published in two separate scientific papers: one where he investigated the long-term health effects of high fructose corn syrup and the other where he did a further investigation of failed pharmaceuticals. This scholarship is sponsored by J.J. Wong.

Dharani Adhikari is a junior at Salt Lake Community College and is planning to transfer to the University of Utah in the fall.  He is directly involved with the Bhutanese Community in Utah (BCA) as a founder member.

Andrea Soleta is an International student from the Philippines.  She finished her Associate of Science in General Studies at LDS Business College. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science at Brigham Young University.

Congratulations to all our awardees. You all are an inspiration!

Ailine's Touch of Polynesia

Joseph Buenaflor from the Filipino community singing the National Anthem

The Katutubo Phlippine Dance Ensemble

Katutubo Philippine Dance Ensemble Cultural Production

The KATUTUBO Philippine Folk Ensemble of Utah is a non-profit performing group, organized by volunteers from different sectors in the community. We are all joined together with the common interest of showcasing a kaleidoscope of Philippine culture and traditions through songs, music and dance. As a performing group, we aim to provide quality cultural entertainment to the public and promote cultural unity and awareness of our heritage, foster friendships in the community and encourage support with our cultural programs, community service projects and outreach mission to help the needy.

The Year 2013

I was browsing the net for events to watch for this year and I was instead lead to predictions that sound rather dreary. I said to myself, well, these predictions are no different from what the bible says about the Second Coming. By no means I am making my own “Mayan” calculation of the world’s ending, but we all see the “signs of the time” coming about. I don’t mean to start this entry on a cheerless note either, because the Second Coming is a scriptural truth Christians look forward to. As Jesus ascended into heaven, two angels declared to Christ’s Apostles, "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11). As many apocalypse believers were left red-faced when the December 21^st’’s doomsday date didn’t materialize, Christians believe the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night … “rejoice evermore” (Thessalonians Chapter 5). I will leave it at that. 

Until then, how about we bide our time in gratitude, in service to one another and celebration of life? First, gratitude. I don't know how else we can be happy with what we have if we don't see them to start with. If you still have your job, your house, your family and friends, there is lot to be thankful for. With continuing news on unemployment, families losing their homes to foreclosure, properties being repossessed, businesses being shut down among others, I am in no position to complain at any rate.  I am also grateful for many good people around me, around us. I see it a blessing to be surrounded by good people. This reminds me of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in the book of Genesis in the Bible. Because of the wickedness of the people in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, the Lord told Abraham that he would destroy the cities. Abraham then bargained with the Lord to spare the cities if there were righteous people in them. From fifty righteous people, the Lord agreed with Abraham to spare the city for even just ten righteous people for their sake. But to no avail, the cities were destroyed.  I am grateful that I do not live in this circumstance. Just from facebook alone, I have over a hundred local friends who, I am sure, are righteous!  I admire the many great people I met along the way, whose philanthropic deeds have changed people’s lives. Mine is for one. I am student of many unspoken teachers and silent heroes from a pool of day-to-day people making a difference in their communities.

Non-Profit/Community Events
Since late last year, I have been actively participating in many non-profit and community events, sharing my little skill in photography. I was privileged to attend a recent charity event, graced by distinguished speakers, entertainers, artists, singers and volunteers from different sectors, all in support for a great cause to help orphans in Tanzania and Uganda. I was in a company of good, beautiful people who were making efforts to make the world a better place. I came out a better person. 

AMERICA, A Great Country to Live In 
US of A, the land of the free where equality and protection of the youth and of our rights are highly policed but its own citizens. As an immigrant, I am grateful for the opportunities, the liberty and all the conveniences this country has given me: the right to education, to housing, to speak my mind, to be a weird artist, to safe roads, clean drinking water, convenient bathrooms everywhere and the many amenities you call - necessities. In tribute to all Americans who made liberty available to all, I wrote this short speech in my History class back in college: 

      " ...America .... a land of immigrants from different cultures that share one common interest – freedom!  ... As early as the 17^th through the early 19^th century, this land called the New World was founded by people from different colonies in Europe, in the hope of building the freedom they didn’t experience in their own lands. Referred to as settlers, these immigrants were from the British Isles with English, Scottish, Welsh, and Ulster Irish colonies.... Some of these immigrants came as indentured servants in exchange for passage to the New World. Some came, like the English pilgrims, for religious freedom who established settlement in New England colonies. Our founding founders fought hard to defend liberty in the New World evidenced by the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) and American War of Independence to break free from the British Empire. Even up to these days, the same reason prevails why people move to America – freedom!
           Freedom, however, through the different challenges of times, was a work in progress. From the long struggle to obtain independence from the British Empire, issues on slavery to women’s rights, freedom had a long and difficult journey through the course of this country’s history. With all these battles in defense of liberty, lives were taken but many kinds of heroes rose – Americans were born!  Heroes and martyrs who went to many battles to defend freedom and those who died and suffered the pains during these difficult times were the high cost of the liberty and progress we enjoy today. They, who brought forth this liberty and those who continue this legacy and spirit in our days and for the generations to come, are the true Americans.
           I am an immigrant myself. I came from a small town in the Philippines where the word America means a lot of things to many people. Even thousands of miles away, with the aid of television and other media, the idea of modernization and progress in America has reached even our small town. America was a picture of progress where people are wealthy and beautiful as the Hollywood stars. With the modern- industrial looking buildings, clean, paved roads, acres of space filled with groovy cars  ...this imagery of America was just so unreachable to think of. Needless to say, America is a dream to many people. .. Not quite as consistent with how Hollywood portrays it at times, but America, in many ways, is indeed a land of opportunities. It is a place where options are available and where liberty and equality are protected by the law and by its own people. Regardless of race, color, gender and status in life, each one has a place in this free country.
                   ... America, land of the free! Thanks to those who came before us, thanks to the forefathers who protected this freedom. I am ever grateful to be a recipient of the fruits labored by heroes, martyrs and selfless Americans who through the centuries, in big or small efforts, made this freedom available to me, even a foreigner to this land.  Thanks to the Americans who keep this freedom alive. Thanks to the Americans who keep us safe and free. Thanks to the Americans who keep this country … a country for all! To you all, I am forever grateful.  

This is a great time to live. We have more options now, almost limitless. While we see and hear many ills in the world, we have a lot of good going on: good Samaritans still exist, mothers putting career opportunities aside to raise a family, husbands who honor their wives, children who obey, preachers who preach and neighbors who look out for each other. I can't think of a better time and place to live. May we all start this year, if you haven't yet, in gratitude for, first - what we have and for the possibilities of more prosperity to come our way. Did I say prosperity - why not? Wishing you all the health and wealth this 2013!