Anne Frank and Tom Wilsonview the exhibit.
On Saturday, September 8th at UCI's Langson Library over 75 people enjoyed a special champagne brunch while honoring the 25th anniversary of the impact of Project Ngoc. Initiated as a class in 1987 at UCI, Project Ngoc raised awareness about the plight of Southeast Asian refugees and provided direct relief to refugees detained in camps.
The Reunion was a great success in bringing Project Ngoc alumni and friends together to reminisce and build new relationships at UCI and in the community. It also raised awareness of the importance of the Libraries Southeast Asian Archive in preserving the history of our Southeast Asian American community.
The event featured a number of guest speakers including Daniel Do-Khanh, Chair of the Vietnamese American Community Ambassadors, who gave an inspiring talk about the importance of preserving the history of our Southeast Asian American community. Mai-Phuong Nguyen, MD (Project Ngoc Co-Chair, 1988-89) gave a touching tribute to Project Ngoc members with the slide show: "The Tale of Project Ngoc, A Love Story." And, Dr. Thuy Vo Dang (Director, UCI Vietnamese-American Oral History Project) led a panel discussion on the Living Legacy of Project Ngoc.
We are delighted to report that this event, in conjunction with the Vietnamese American Community Ambassadors fundraising initiative, helped close a campaign to raise $25,000 in support of hiring a temporary archivist for the Archive.
To view a video of the program and photos of the event please click here.
Special thanks to the Project Ngoc Reunion Committee made up of Michelle Light, Christina Woo, Mai-Phuong Nguyen, Tu-Uyen Nguyen, and Thuy Vo Dang.