UCSF Nisei Commencement Ceremony

On July 16, 2009, the University of California Board of Regents agreed to grant special honorary degrees to Japanese American students who were enrolled at the University of California but were forced to leave because of their incarceration during World War II.

Ceremonies to award the degrees have been scheduled at the four campuses in existence at the time of the incarceration order — UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Los Angeles and UC San Francisco.

The first of those commencement ceremonies will be UC San Francisco on Friday, Dec. 4, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Robertson Auditorium, at the William J. Rutter Community Center on the UCSF Mission Bay Campus, 1675 Owens St., San Francisco.

This will be the only UC graduation ceremony open to the public.

The chancellor, deans and faculty will bestow the honorary degree “Inter Silvas Academi Restituere” (to restore justice among the groves of the academy) upon 68 students who were enrolled at UCSF during the academic year 1941-1942, whose studies were interrupted by World War II and the resulting incarceration orders.

Graduates include those Nisei who were enrolled in the School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Dentistry and School of Pharmacy.

The UC system has not awarded honorary degrees since 1972 under a moratorium adopted by the regents. This moratorium has been suspended by the regents in order to properly recognize and honor the individuals affected by Executive Order 9066.

Organizers invited the public to attend the “historic event.”

“Come celebrate this long-awaited opportunity,” said a statement from organizers. “This is their moment, it’s our celebration.”

Transportation — A UCSF shuttle bus will be provided to and from Japantown, departing from the Peace Plaza at 2:30 p.m., leaving the Mission Bay campus around 5:30 p.m. and returning to Peace Plaza around 6 p.m. Contact: Jeff Chu (415) 567-5505 or jchu@jcccnc.org.

Public Transport — The UCSF Mission Bay campus is served by the Muni T-Third Street line, which stops at the UCSF Mission Bay Station located on Third Street near 16th Street. This applies for both north- and southbound travel — that is, going downtown or out to San Francisco’s southeast neighborhoods.

Parking — There is a drop-off circle in front of the Rutter Center accessible from Owens Street. Wheelchairs will be available for those in need of assistance at the drop-off circle. The closet parking structure is attached to the William J. Rutter Center on Owens Street. Inform the parking kiosk that you are attending the honorary degree ceremony. Parking will be validated and will be free. There will be designated spaces at the lowest level of the garage for the first 50 cars.

Seating — No tickets required for guests. Seating is not reserved; open seating begins at 3 p.m.

Accessibility — Wheelchairs will be available at the drop-off circle in front of the William J. Rutter Center. Those who need sign language interpretation should call (415) 476-9063.

Reception — Everyone is invited to attend a reception immediately following the ceremony. The reception will be in the atrium outside the auditorium on the first floor of the Rutter Center.

For more info, contact Maria Blandizzi at (415) 476-9063 or saa@ucsf.edu.

University of California, San Francisco graduates in the fall 1941 and spring 1942 semesters currently being sought

Students in Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Graduate Division