WELCOME TO THE
2022 LEGACY AWARDS GALA
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March 2022
Dear friends of MOCA: Thank you so much for joining the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) this evening. This year, MOCA shines a light on Chinese American veterans of World War II and the bold efforts of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance’s Recognition Project. We illuminate the story of Dr. David K. Lam, Founder of Lam Research Corporation and the first Asian-American CEO to take a company public on the NASDAQ exchange. We share the unique journey of the Honorable Gary Locke, former Governor of Washington State, former U.S. Ambassador to China and former U.S. Secretary of Commerce. We amplify our performer of the year: Joyous String Ensemble, an international youth string orchestra. Since our last Gala in 2019, we have grieved for the lives lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those lives lost and harmed due to discrimination, hatred, and bigotry. The rising tide of violence against Asian Americans continues all over America. MOCA has remained resilient in the face of impossible odds. In January 2020, MOCA experienced a five-alarm fire that nearly destroyed 85,000 archival items – the largest in the world. The fire was immediately followed by the global pandemic, which threatened the community’s health and the Museum’s operations, as well as a surge in anti-Chinese bigotry. MOCA has had to navigate a challenging environment that has only amplified the need for our tireless work to honor and celebrate the Chinese Americans that have shaped the world today. Now is the time for MOCA to establish its permanent home—a home that allows the Chinese American narrative to contribute boldly to the American narrative. Now is the time to evolve into a museum of conscience—sharing, educating, and learning. And now is the time to boldly stake our place in U.S. history. Today marks the official launch of the next chapter of MOCA’s story. We can’t wait for you to be a part of this journey. Congratulations to our honorees this evening! Thank you for joining us. With warm regards and gratitude,
David Henry Hwang Gala Co-Chair
Patricia Pei Director & Gala Co-Chair
Nancy Yao President, MOCA
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about the
MUSEUM OF CHINESE IN AMERICA (MOCA) The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) aims to engage audiences in an ongoing and historical dialogue, in which people of all backgrounds are able to see American history through a critical perspective, to reflect on their own experiences, and to make meaningful connections between: the past and the present, the global and the local, themselves and others. Since its founding in 1980, MOCA has celebrated the living history of the Chinese experience in America by preserving and presenting the 200-year history, heritage, culture, and diverse experiences of American communities of Chinese descent. Founded as a community-based organization, MOCA has over a period of four decades maintained our community centrality while gaining a national following of visitors and members. Our museum strives to be responsive to the moment; tell nuanced and unexpected stories; spotlight politically conscious issues; and provide a platform for open dialogue and dynamic programs. MOCA contributes to a fuller and more nuanced and layered American narrative in highlighting the stories of this immigrant community. Visitors experience MOCA’s pertinent yet undertold history and content through four programming arms: • The curation of seasonal exhibitions representing multifarious Chinese American and immigrant experiences • The documentation and collection of the largest research center of Chinese American artifacts in the United States • The production of public programs featuring the stories of Chinese and Asian American milestones, challenges, achievements, and community activism • The organization of a roster of educational initiatives for people of all demographic groups Ultimately, MOCA connects the past with the present and the future, bringing together the Chinese American community with the diaspora and people from all walks of life. We envision our visitors re-entering the world as moral advocates, active historians, and community stewards.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
MEMBERS
Jonathan Chu
Michelle Koo Hayashi
Co-Chair
Eric T. Lee
Co-Chair
Stanley R. Chiu
Co-Vice Chair & Assistant Treasurer
Christina Ho
June Jee Jennifer 8. Lee Thomas Liou Wenisa Ma
Co-Vice Chair
Patricia Pei
Jonathan Lee
Chris Shen
Treasurer
Roy I. Delbyck Secretary
David Liu
Past Board Co-Chair
Stephen Mong
Past Board Co-Chair
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Chieh Huang
Tao Tan Erlina Yeo Terwelp Jing Tsu Cecilia L. M. Yu Randy Yuen
GALA CO-CHAIRS
DAVID HENRY HWANG
PATRICIA PEI
Playwright and Librettist
Philanthropist
MAYA LIN
© Jesse Frohman
Artist and Architect
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE ERIC T. LEE
GALA COMMITTEE CHU ENTERPRISES MICHELLE KOO HAYASHI LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
RANDY AND ARTIMESIA YUEN JAMES CHANG, M.D. AND PATRICIA PEI THE LAM FAMILY GIVING FOUNDATION 7
SPONSORS PLATINUM Eric T. Lee GOLD Chu Enterprises Randy and Artimesia Yuen SILVER Bloomberg LP Bloomberg Philanthropies James Chang, M.D. and Patricia Pei Michelle Koo Hayashi Lam Research Corporation The Lam Family Giving Foundation The Honorable Gary Locke US-China Cultural Instiitute BRONZE Committee of 100 JT Tai & Co Foundation Friends and Family of William and May Louie
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LACQUER CCS Fundraising The Chao Family Robert W. Chen Rocky Chin and May Ying Chen Con Edison Ernst & Young FF New York Lodge Chieh Huang Victor and Lucy Kan Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) Jonathan Lee David Liu Wenisa Ma Phi Lambda Tronex Healthcare Cecilia Yu RUBY Victoria Rong Kennedy IN-KIND SPONSORS Manhattan Theatre Club Joanna C. Lee and Ken Smith Tiffany & Co. Abigail Hing Wen 9
PAST LEGACY HONOREES 1995 Chinese Hand Laundry Alliance Kitty Carlisle Hart Dr. David Ho David Henry Hwang 1998 Beverly Purcell Church Benjamin Gim Betty Lee Sung 1999 Cindy Hsu Chris Lee Joseph Liu (posthumous award) 2000 Jackie Chan William Yukon Chang Amy Tan 2001 Dr. Franklin R. Chang-Diaz Maya Lin John Lone Dr. Peter Tsang 2002 Grace Lee Boggs Judge Thomas Russell Jones Ming Cho Lee Helen Zia
2007 Lulu C. Wang Vera Wang Walter & Shirley Wang Ray Young 2008 Steve Chen Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association Jon L. Christianson Wei Christianson T.C. Hsu Ang Lee I.M. Pei Christine A. Poon 2009 Ronnie C. Chan Charles B. Wang Community Helth Center Anla Cheng Mark E. Kingdon Lucy Liu Wan-go Weng Jerry Yang
David Liu Dominic Ng Pichet Ong 2012 Silas K.F. Chou Humberto Leon and Carol Lim Calvin Tsao 2013 Michael R. Bloomberg Pei-yuan Chia Ming Tsai Wang Yannan 2014 The Victor and William Fung Foundation Theodore T. Wang Tyrus Wong 2015 C.V. Starr Scholars and The Starr Foundation Nancy Kwan William C. Louie 2016 The Wah Family Cecilia S. Chiang BD Wong
2010 The Chao Family Hon. Elaine Chao Dr. James S.C. Chao In honor of Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao
2017 The Eugene C. and Gail V. Sit Family Chieh Huang Gish Jen Phillipa Soo
2004 WZRC 1480 AM Boy Scout Troop 150 & Girl Scout John C. Liu Michael Chang
Maurice R. Greenberg & The Starr Foundation HSBC Bank USA Anita Lo Bill and Judith Davidson Moyers Ben Wang Major General John L. Fugh (posthumous award)
2018 General Wen Ying Hsing Thomas C. Ahn Maxine Hong Kingston Nancy C. Lee, JP
2005 Joan Chen
2011 Oscar L. Tang
2003 Chinese Musical & Theatrical Association C.Y. Lee Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization Jadin Wong
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2006 The September 11th Fund Tan Dun Verizon Martin Yan
2019 The Tsai Family Michelle Koo Hayashi and Jess Ting, M.D. Tzi Ma Hon. Mae Yih
HONOREES GENERATIONAL LEGACY AWARD CHINESE AMERICAN WORLD WAR II VETERANS In 2018, following years of grass-roots campaigning and advocacy by Chinese Americans across the U.S., Congress authorized the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) to be awarded to the Chinese American Veterans of World War II. These veterans’ acts of patriotism, loyalty, and courage occurred at a time when the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 prevented non-U.S. born Chinese Americans from obtaining citizenship. As many as 20,000 served, 40% of whom were not American citizens yet answered America’s call to serve with pride and honor. For over 70 years, Chinese American patriotism went unrecognized until now. MOCA designates its Gala to celebrate the contributions and sacrifices Chinese American WWII Veterans have made in service to the nation and recognizes C.A.C.A.’s Chinese American Veterans Recognition Project as honoree for their advocacy and passage of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act, Congressional Gold Medal design, and their conduct of national and regional ceremonies to award the Congressional Gold Medal to deserving living veterans and surviving nextof-kin. • Tribute to Chinese American WWII Veterans by Major General William S. Chen, U.S. Army Retired • Acceptance Remarks by Ed Gor, National Director, Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project, Chinese American Citizens Alliance
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HONOREES LEGACY AWARD DR. DAVID K. LAM As the founder of Lam Research Corporation, Dr. David K. Lam is an entrepreneurial legend in Silicon Valley. As its first CEO, he guided the successful development and launch of his eponymous company’s plasma etch system, a critical production equipment in the 1980s that ushered the “submicron” era in chip-making. In 1984, he became the first Asian-American CEO to take a company public on the NASDAQ exchange. Dr. Lam continues to leverage his experience, expertise, and network to assist other high technology enterprises, serving as director and guiding young ventures to successful outcomes. He currently devotes most of his time to Multibeam Corporation, a world leader in Multicolumn ElectronBeam Lithography (MEBL) technology. As its Chairman & CEO, Dr. Lam has led Multibeam to transform its technology into equipment for use in production fabs and guided the development of unique applications at industry inflections. Among the benefits enabled by the MEBL system are: dramatic cost reduction for low-volume IC production with no use of masks; inscribing, i.e., hardcoding, chip-specific information inside each IC during fabrication to combat IC counterfeiting; low-cost production of large-format interposers for advanced packaging; and other emerging applications. Dr. Lam earned Doctoral and Master degrees in chemical engineering from M.I.T. as well as a Bachelor degree in engineering physics from the University of Toronto. Widely recognized by his peers as a key contributor to the growth of the semiconductor industry, he was inducted into the Silicon Valley Engineering Hall of Fame in 2013.
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HONOREES LEGACY AWARD THE HONORABLE GARY LOCKE As Governor of Washington State (the first Chinese American to be elected governor in United States history and the first Asian American governor on the mainland), U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and most recently as America’s envoy to China, The Honorable Gary Locke has been a leader in the areas of education, employment, trade, health care, human rights, immigration reform, privacy, and the environment. Hon. Locke currently serves as the President of Bellevue College in Bellevue, Washington. As Washington’s 21st Governor from 19972005, the nation’s most trade dependent state, Hon. Locke increased exports of Washington State products and services by leading trade missions to Mexico, Europe, and Asia, more than doubling the state’s exports to China. As U.S. Secretary of Commerce from 2009-2011, he led President Obama’s National Export Initiative to double American exports in five years; assumed a troubled 2010 Census process but which under his active supervision ended on time and substantially under budget, saving taxpayers $2 billion; and achieved the most significant reduction in patent application processing in the agency’s history: from 40 months down to one year. As U.S. Ambassador to China from 2011-2014, he opened markets for made-in-USA goods and services; reduced wait times for visa interviews of Chinese applicants from 100 days to 3 days; and through the Embassy’s air quality monitoring program, exposed the severity of the air pollution in China, causing the Chinese people to demand action by the government and the government in turn beginning to address the issue.
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HONOREES PERFORMER OF THE YEAR AWARD JOYOUS STRING ENSEMBLE
Over the past few years, the Joyous String Ensemble has become an international sensation – with major TV appearances on the “Ellen DeGeneres Show”, ABC’s “Good Morning America”, Fox News, NBC’s “The Today Show”, Steve Harvey’s “Little Big Shots” and World’s Got Talent. Internationally, the group has performed all over the world, including on Hunan TV’s “Amazing Kids” Show (China), SBS “Star King” (Korea) and SAT “Super Kids” (Germany). Besides TV appearances, the group has performed at major concert venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Citi Field. And they already have garnered a robust social media following, with millions of youtube views and followers. Mixing an eclectic repertoire, the Ensemble performs from traditional classical music to today’s pop hits and mash-ups – innovatively orchestrated and arranged to give the audience a unique listening experience. Despite their youthful age, the group is a model of mature and brilliant musicianship. Centered around 15-year-old multi-talented cellist Justin Yu and 11-year-old violinist Christine Yu, the group also consists of violinists, cellists and bassists age 6-15.
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GALA CO-CHAIR DAVID HENRY HWANG PLAYWRIGHT AND LIBRETTIST
David Henry Hwang’s work includes the plays M. Butterfly, Chinglish, Yellow Face, Golden Child, The Dance and the Railroad, and FOB, as well as the Broadway musicals Aida (co-author), Flower Drum Song (2002 revival) and Disney’s Tarzan. Hwang is a Tony Award winner and three-time nominee, a three-time OBIE Award winner, and a three-time Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. He is also the most-produced living American opera librettist, whose works have been honored with two Grammy Awards. He co-wrote the Gold Record “Solo” with the late pop icon Prince, and was a Writer/Consulting Producer for the Golden Globe-winning television series The Affair. Hwang serves as Head of Playwriting at Columbia University and as Co-Chair of the American Theatre Wing.
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GALA CO-CHAIR PATRICIA PEI PHILANTHROPIST
Patricia Pei joined the Board of Directors of the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) in June 2009. She was associated with E. V. Thaw for many years, retiring in 2018. Ms. Pei has had over thirty years’ experience in advising and helping form collections for individuals and museums. She is a collector of 18th and 19th century European drawings and watercolors, 19th century oil sketches and Contemporary Chinese ink. Ms. Pei is also currently the President and Founder of the American Friends of the Shanghai Museum and also a member of the Board of the American Friends of M+. She is also a member of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Asian Friends), The Morgan Library and Museum (Patron) and the Asia Society, (Patron’s Circle). Ms. Pei received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Barnard College, Columbia University.
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MOCA ADVISOR MAYA LIN ARTIST AND ARCHITECT
© Jesse Frohman
Maya Lin is known for large-scale environmental artworks, architectural projects and memorial designs. Her unique multi-disciplinary career has “resisted categories, boundaries and borders” (Michael Brenson). She writes in her book Boundaries, “I see myself existing between boundaries, a place where opposites meet; science and art, art and architecture, East and West. My work originates from a simple desire to make people aware of their surroundings.” From her very first work, the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, Ms. Lin has gone on to pursue a remarkable body of work in both architecture and art. Her most recent and largest architectural projects to date are the 2015 master plan and main building for the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research in Cambridge Massachusetts, and the newly reimagined design of the Neilson Library at Smith College which opened in Spring 2021. Both highly acclaimed architectural projects that have been extremely sensitive to their locations- creating urban centers that add a vibrancy to their community, with lyrical and elegant designs that both capture the identity of their respective institution whilst remaining respectful of the community at large. Lin is currently working on the Museum of Chinese in America’s expansion to an eight-story full building museum at its current location in the heart of Chinatown, NYC. Maya Lin Studio’s design ethos is to create a close dialogue between the landscape and built environment, creating spaces that are as attuned to the exterior as to within each structure, crafting a dialogue between the surrounding buildings and location, whilst maintaining a deep commitment to advocating for sustainable design solutions. Nature and the environment have long been central concerns for Lin. Her artworks explore how we experience and relate to landscape, at a time when it is crucial to do so. Her artwork has been featured in numerous solo exhibitions at museums and galleries worldwide, with works in the permanent collections of the National Gallery of Art; The Metropolitan Museum of Art; The Museum of Modern Art; among others. And her world renowned large scale outdoor sculptural installations located throughout the world. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Lin has been profiled in TIME, The New York Times Magazine and The New Yorker, among many other media outlets. The 1996 documentary about her, Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary. In 2009, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts, the nation’s highest honor for artistic excellence. In 2016, President Barack Obama awarded Lin the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, praising her for a celebrated career in both art and architecture, and for creating a sacred place of healing in our nation’s capital.
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EVENING PROGRAM IN MEMORIAM WELCOME REMARKS
David Henry Hwang and Patricia Pei Gala Co-Chairs
PERFORMER OF THE YEAR Joyous String Ensemble Presented by David Henry Hwang
LEGACY AWARD
Dr. David Lam Presented by Robert H. McCooey, Jr. Vice Chairman, Nasdaq
DINNER GENERATIONAL LEGACY AWARD
Chinese American Veterans of WWII Major General William S. Chen Chinese American Citizens Alliance Recognition Project Ed Gor Presented by Colonel E. John Gregory United States Military Academy
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EVENING PROGRAM LIVE APPEAL Charles Antin
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE ARKAI
LEGACY AWARD
The Honorable Gary Locke Presented by Kaitlin Lam Student, PS 124 Yung Wing Elementary
CLOSING REMARKS Maya Lin Nancy Yao Maasbach
We invite you to a champagne toast reception after dinner.
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MENU FIRST COURSE ROASTED SHRIMP, ASPARAGUS, FRISÉE AND AVOCADO SALAD Tonnino Grillo
MAIN COURSE INDIVIDUAL PRIME ROAST FILET OF BEEF WILD MUSHROOM SAUCE, POTATO DAUPHINOISE CLASSIC CIPRIANI MIXED VEGETABLES Fratelli Cozza Bruffato di Famiglia Seafood or vegan option available upon request
DESSERTS PETIT FOURS VANILLA CRÈME MERINGUE CAKE -andCHOCOLATE SOUFFLÉ WITH CHANTILLY CREAM COFFEE & TEA
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MOCA SHOWCASE ARKAI
ARKAI is an award-winning string duo that redefines the boundaries of musical genre — fusing classical virtuosity with the electricity of a rock band, the spontaneity of a jazz combo, and the beauty of a string quartet. Graduates of The Juilliard School, their past engagements have included performances at The MET Breuer, Rockwood Music Hall, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, 92nd Street Y and TED. In collaboration with seven-time Grammy-nominated producer Joel Hamilton, ARKAI’s debut album, Aurora, will be released in 2022. Learn more at arkaimusic.com.
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AUCTIONEER CHARLES ANTIN
Charles Antin is a Senior Wine Specialist and Auctioneer at Zachys, and was both a commercial auctioneer and charity auctioneer at Christie's for close to a decade. He auctioneered hundreds of benefits including the Jackson Hole Wine Auction, Seth Rogen's Hilarity for Charity, Autism Speaks, Teach for China (Hong Kong), the Brady Center for the Prevention of Gun Violence, the Friends of Acadia auction, Camillus House, The Clinton Foundation, Family House SF, Pairings Nashville and auctions benefiting the Boston Symphony and the Nantucket Wine Festival. He was also a NY State licensed commercial auctioneer at Christie's, at the time of licensing the youngest at the firm, bringing down the gavel on thousands of lots, and tens of millions of dollars of wine, watches, Post War & Contemporary art, Asian art, and single-owner collections, such as the collections of Robert H. Ellsworth and Huguette Clark. He holds an MFA in fiction from NYU, a commercial pilot's license, and his essays and fiction have appeared in Food & Wine, the New York Times, the VQR and elsewhere.
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EXHIBITION ON VIEW
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CONGRATULATORY LETTERS FROM OFFICIALS
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BARACK OBAMA
March 31, 2022 I am delighted to join you in congratulating Ambassador Locke as the recipient of a Museum of Chinese in America Legacy Award. During my administration, Gary was a transformative Commerce Secretary and ambassador to China. Whether he was overseeing the Census, growing American jobs, or promoting American interests around the world, Gary worked tirelessly to make government work for the American people. And he did so in the face of enormous economic and diplomatic obstacles. We've all benefited from his leadership, in ways we may not even realize. As the first Chinese American in many positions, Gary has been a lifelong trailblazer. But his family's story, tracing back to his grandfather boarding a ship for America over a century ago, is one that echoes throughout our nation of immigrants. So thank you to everyone here working to preserve and build upon our rich Chinese-American history, and congratulations to all of tonight's honorees. I send my warmest wishes for a wonderful celebration. May we all strive to emulate Gary's humble service and principled leadership.
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THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
ADRIENNE E. ADAMS SPEAKER
CITY HALL NEW YORK, NY 10007
TELEPHONE (212) 788-7210
March 31, 2022 Dear Friends As the Speaker of the New York City Council, I am delighted to extend my personal greetings to everyone here tonight – in person – for the Museum of Chinese in America’s (MOCA) 2022 Legacy Awards Gala! New York City is renowned for its diverse cultural landscape, which has contributed to making it the cultural capital of the world. We are also fortunate to be home to cultural institutions such as MOCA which have long been a vital part of our great city’s stellar reputation and are now playing a critical role in our continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. In preserving and exploring the vast spectrum of Chinese-American history, heritage and experience, MOCA helps to greatly expand the American story. In doing so, it connects us all to the diversity of the world in which we live, and allows us to appreciate the vibrancy and drive that make our city so exceptional. On this special night of celebration, I would like to thank MOCA and its entire staff for the wonderful work that they are doing to preserve Chinese culture and contributions for all of us to experience and enjoy. Congratulations as well to all of this year’s honorees. Sincerely,
ADRIENNE E. ADAMS Speaker
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March 31, 2022 Dear Friends, I’m pleased to join you for this year’s Museum of Chinese in America Legacy Awards Gala. As one of New York’s foremost cultural institutions, the Museum of Chinese in America preserves and showcases the rich history of people of Chinese descent in the United States. The museum’s work is increasingly important as New York faces a horrifying wave of anti-Asian xenophobia. I would like to extend my own congratulations to tonight’s honorees: the Chinese American Veterans of World War II for their contributions and sacrifices made in service to the nation and community, Dr. David Lam for being the first Asian-American CEO to take a company public on the NASDAQ exchange, former Governor of Washington State and former U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke, and performer of the year Joyous String Ensemble for their brilliant musicianship. On behalf of the Borough of Manhattan, I wish you another year of success! Sincerely,
Mark Levine Manhattan Borough President
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March 31, 2022
Dear Friends, It is a privilege to send greetings to everyone attending the Museum of Chinese in America's Annual Legacy Award Gala. I am delighted to recognize tonight's esteemed honorees and honored to praise the sacrifice and contributions made by Chinese American Veterans of World War II, who collectively will be recognized with the Generational Legacy Award tonight. Since its founding in 1980, the Museum of Chinese in America has helped build bridges between the Chinese American community, our city, and the world around us. Through interactive exhibits, a research and archive library, educational services, and thoughtful public programs, MOCA encourages dialogue and understanding between neighbors and across boundaries. I am grateful that MOCA has done so much to preserve the immigration stories of people of Chinese descent, helping 15,000 students and 50,000 visitors each year understand more deeply what it means to be American. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I offer my congratulations to tonight's honorees and to everyone who helped make this evening a success. You have my best wishes for a bright future. Sincerely,
A Kirsten Gillibrand United States Senator
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March 7, 2022
Museum of Chinese in America 215 Centre Street New York, NY 10013 Dear Friends:
I am delighted to congratulate you as you celebrate your 2022 Legacy Awards. The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) has preserved the history and cultural experiences of people of Chinese descent in the United States. You have guided and enabled Chinese Americans to make connections with the past and the present through your interactive and innovative exhibits, programs and tours. Thanks to your efforts, Chinese American history that would have been lost is now accessible to the forthcoming generations. I would like to offer my congratulations to your honorees: The Chinese American Veterans of World War II, Dr. David Lam, the Honorable Gary Locke and the Joyous String Ensemble. These honorees are in their respective fields, being recognize for their achievements and for supporting the mission of MOCA. I am thrilled to hear that there will be the unveiling of architect and artist, Maya Lin’s architectural models for the new national Museum of Chinese in America. I wish you every measure of success as you continue to ensure the legacy of Chinese Americans and their history is preserved through the evolving narrative of American history. With all good wished, I am,
Sincerely yours,
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THE ASSEMBLY STATE OF NEW YORK ALBANY
CHAIRMAN Committee on Governmental Employees CHAIRMAN Subcommittee on Safety in the Work Place COMMITTEES Aging Banks Consumer Affairs & Protection Labor
PETER J. ABBATE, JR. Assemblyman 49TH District Kings County
Dear Friends,
March 2022
Congratulations and best wishes to the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) on its 2022 Legacy Awards Gala celebrating its 42-year history on March 31, 2022.
In your 42 years, MOCA has focused on exciting conversations through their many programs, collections, membership, and exhibitions preserving the history, heritage, culture and diverse experiences of people of Chinese ancestry in the United States.
I congratulate this year’s honorees; The Chinese American Veterans of World War II on receiving the Generational Legacy Award for their contributions and sacrifices made in service to their nation. The Legacy Award recipients Dr. David Lam and The Honorable Gary Locke; and to the Joyous String Ensemble on winning the Performer of the Year Award.
I again salute MOCA’s mission to see American history through a critical perspective of reflecting on personal experiences, and to shine a light on individuals’, families of courage, talents, and contributions to the evolving American narrative. Again, my best wishes for a most successful and wonderful event. Sincerely, Peter J. Abbate, Jr. Member of Assembly
▫ Room 839, Legislative Office Building, Albany, New York 12248, (518) 455-3053 ▫ 6605 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Brooklyn, New York 11219, (718) 236-1764
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STATE OF NEW YORK OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL THE CAPITOL
ALBANY, NY 12224
LETITIA JAMES
(518) 776-2000
ATTORNEY GENERAL
March 31, 2022 The Museum of Chinese in America 215 Centre St New York, NY 10013 Dear Friends: I am delighted to offer my best wishes to everyone who has gathered for the Museum of Chinese in America's 2022 Legacy Awards Gala. By being part of this special event, you are not only helping to further MOCA’s important mission, but also paying tribute to this year’s distinguished honorees. Founded in 1980, MOCA has played a vital role in preserving and presenting the 200-year history, heritage, and culture of people of Chinese descent living in the United States. Through its unique interactive programs, educational workshops, exhibitions, and a variety of other activities; the Museum educates, engages and informs visitors from around the world. I commend MOCA for creating a place where a deeper understanding of the Chinese American experience enriches the lives of all visitors regardless of their identity. Let me also take this opportunity to recognize tonight's very special honorees... Without question, this esteemed group, which includes Chinese American veterans of World War II, embodies MOCA's mission to promote understanding among people of all cultural backgrounds. Once again, best wishes to the Museum of Chinese in America and to everyone attending tonight's celebration. I am sure it will be a memorable evening. I wish the Museum of Chinese in America much continued success with their important endeavors. Warmest Regards. Sincerely,
LETITIA JAMES
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THE CITY OF NEW YORK OF F I CE OF T HE C OMP T R OL L E R B R AD L ANDE R
March 31, 2022 Museum of Chinese in America 215 Centre Street New York, NY 10013 Dear Friends, It is my pleasure to extend greetings to all attending the Museum of Chinese in America’s Annual Legacy Awards Gala. For nearly four decades, the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) has been devoted to preserving the stories of Chinese American immigrants. MOCA is committed to sharing over one hundred and sixty years of the unique culture and experiences of Chinese Americans. From its interactive exhibitions to its educational programs, MOCA makes Chinese American history accessible to visitors of all ages and backgrounds. I am confident MOCA will continue to make a positive impact on our City for years to come. Congratulations to tonight’s honorees: Chinese American Veterans of World War II, Dr. David Lam, Hon. Gary Locke, and Joyous String Ensemble. Their remarkable commitment to the Museum of Chinese in America’s mission is evident in all they do. Thank you to the Museum of Chinese in America for organizing tonight’s celebration of community and culture. Please accept my best wishes for continued success. Sincerely,
Brad Lander New York City Comptroller
MUNICIPAL BUILDING • 1 CENTRE STREET, 5TH Floor • NEW YORK, NY 10007
PHONE: (212) 669-3500 • @NYCCOMPTROLLER WWW.COMPTROLLER.NYC.GOV
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THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK 250 BROADWAY NEW YORK, N.Y. 10007
GALE A. BREWER COUNCIL MEMBER, DISTRICT 6
TEL: (212) 873-0282 GBREWER@COUNCIL.NYC.GOV
March 31, 2021
Nancy Yao Maasbach President Museum of Chinese in America 215 Centre Street New York, NY 10013 Dear Friends, I write to extend my warmest greetings and congratulations on your annual Legacy Awards Gala. The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), as a renowned cultural institution, enriches the lives of all New Yorkers, and its influence reaches far beyond the city’s limits. By elevating and honoring the stories of Chinese immigration, MOCA has shaped everyone’s knowledge of a major chapter in American history. At this critical juncture, it is essential that we acknowledge that the history of the Chinese community in America is our shared history, and I commend MOCA for its role in educating and uplifting so many. As Borough President I was delighted to allocate funds that supported MOCA securing a permanent home at 215 Centre Street. I look forward to continuing to support you in your mission of advancing learning and understanding about Chinese American history and culture, and I am especially pleased that the fire at 70 Mulberry Street did not destroy the unique artifacts that preserve this history. Thank you for the warm welcome I have always received from MOCA and its great staff and Board Members, and I wish you much success in the future. Sincerely,
Gale A. Brewer City Council, 6th District
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Congratulations to the honorees of the Museum of Chinese in America’s 2022 Legacy Awards Gala! From veterans who served their adopted country in World War II to an accomplished CEO, from a political trailblazer to world-renowned performers, MOCA’s honorees have all made incredible contributions to the vibrant and rich history of the Chinese people in America. It has been a difficult past few years for the Asian American community, especially in light of the rise of hate crimes and bias incidents against members of our community. Institutions like MOCA play a critical role in fixing the root causes of hate by highlighting the many contributions Chinese Americans have made to life in the United States over the past 200 years. For over four decades, MOCA has been preserving that legacy - both the trials and tribulations – for future generations. It has also been a difficult past few years for MOCA. Although a fire destroyed the building where much of the museum’s collection was held, through the diligent work of dedicated specialists most of the irreplaceable items were savaged. After closing for a year, I’m happy the museum was able to reopen last July and carry on the original vision of co-founders John Kuo Wei Tchen and Charles Lai. With the unveiling tonight of famed architect Maya Lin’s renderings for the new national Museum of Chinese in America, I can’t wait to see what the next 40 years and beyond holds. As the daughter of Chinese immigrants and the only Chinese-American currently serving in the City Council, I want to again congratulate tonight’s honorees and wish the MOCA board and staff many years of success. Sincerely, Sandra Ung City Council Member District 20
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March 31, 2022 Dear Honorable Gary Locke, Congratulations on your Legacy Award from the Museum of Chinese America (MOCA). It’s only natural that this great honor would be bestowed on our state and nation’s first Chinse American governor. Your trailblazing – and exceptional – leadership charted a path for so many Asian Americans, including myself, to follow. From the residents in your hometown of Seattle to Asian American leaders at the local, state, and federal level nationwide, we owe you a debt of gratitude. Representation matters – as does strong, effective leadership. You’ve shown time and again that when given the chance to lead, Asian Americans can and will be champions for their communities. Your tireless work for our region and nation – continuing today as an education leader helping the next generation of students find their career passion – is impeccable and impactful. You’ve always been someone I could come to for guidance, for trust, and, most importantly, for friendship. From lunch on my first day at U S WEST working together in 1987 to countless political events, phone calls for advice, and community meetings, I am grateful for the example you set and the unwavering bond we’ve formed. I believe our shared values and proven passion for public service are rooted in our common history. We were raised in the same diverse, vibrant neighborhoods in Southeast Seattle, both with grandfathers who came to America from Asia to work as ‘houseboys’ overcoming language barriers, racial bias, and stereotypes, with the common goal of making sure their families could succeed and thrive. These are uniquely American experiences and stories – and because of your commitment to serve the public, so many Americans now know this story too – an integral piece in the greater fabric of our country. And so many other Asian Americans, who share similar stories, know they too can take path to the highest levels of service and public achievement. So, Gary, my friend, congratulations again on this Legacy Award. There is no one more deserving. Sincerely,
Bruce A. Harrell Mayor of Seattle
600 4th Avenue Floor 7 | Seattle, WA 98104 | 206-684-4000 | seattle.gov/mayor
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MOCA SPECIAL PROJECTS
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2022 NEW YORK CITY MARATHON JOIN TEAM MOCA!
At MOCA, a national cultural institution that tells the untold stories in the making of America through the lens of the Chinese immigrant experience, visitors are greeted with the Chinese proverb: “*A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.*” It is our way of honoring the pioneering spirit of not only Chinese immigrants but all immigrants who sacrificed and dared to take the first step that blazed a path for future generations in America. MOCA welcomes you to join us as an official charity runner at the 2022 TCS NYC Marathon on Sunday, November 6! When you join Team MOCA, you'll be claiming a coveted guaranteed entry into the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon and participating in one of the world's premier running events. It's a powerful win-win when your efforts to cross the finish line also enable MOCA to: redefine the American narrative to include the Chinese American experience through art, history, and community. Please send a brief statement of your interest in joining Team MOCA to development@mocanyc.org. $3,000 Fundraising Minimum
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HELP SUPPORT MOCA’S POST-FIRE RECOVERY: SPONSOR AN OBJECT!
The scale of the restoration and conservation work ahead of us will require considerable resources. Please consider supporting MOCA in this work by sponsoring an object from MOCA’s collections that was salvaged from the fire. You can choose from a selection of MOCA’s artifacts, photographs, textiles, signages, instruments, furniture, art pieces, documents, books, and newspapers that are in a state of fragility, damage, or disrepair. With your donation, the item you sponsored will receive professional conservation treatment, be restored to its utmost condition, and be well-preserved for the future. MOCA’ mission is to preserve and present Chinese American history, and your support is very important. We will gratefully credit you in accordance to the amount of contribution you make to the conservation of your sponsored object. Please click to navigate to MOCA’s Sponsor an Object page at mocanyc.org/collections/fire-recovery/sponsor-an-object to see available objects. Each week, MOCA will make available a new object and will publish a profile detailing the conservation treatment and fundraising level needed to repair and restore the object. Every contribution helps support our work of restoring these important historical treasures. 40
APPEAL
With your help, MOCA's programs continue to serve over 50,000 visitors each year. Help us educate, explore, and empower future generations to become leaders of tomorrow. $50,000: Allows MOCA to visit Chicago, Houston, Memphis, Atlanta, Denver and more cities in 2022 to capture the depth and vastness of the Chinese American narrative $25,000: Allows MOCA to create free, downloadable curriculum resources for students & teachers such as educational booklets on Chinese American heroes – Jerry Yang and Tyrus Wong, The Honorable Gary Locke, Maggie Gee, and Chinese American WWII Veterans $10,000: Hosts weekly virtual and in-person educational activities and weeklong family festivals such as Lunar New Year Family Festival, Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival $2,500: Hosts a variety of public programs to create platforms for Chinese/ Asian American talents $1,000: Allows MOCA to continue offering FREE admission in 2022 $500: Bring a guided virtual or in-person school program to a public school WILL YOU ENCOURAGE US WITH A GIFT SO THAT MOCA CONTINUES TO THRIVE? WE CELEBRATE EVERY GIFT AND EVERY PHILANTHROPIST NO MATTER THE SIZE. MAKE A FULLY TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION AT: MOCANYC.ORG/GETINVOLVED/DONATE 41
MUSEUM OF CHINESE IN AMERICA would like to give special thanks to RALPH APPELBAUM AND RALPH APPELBAUM ASSOCIATES WILLIAM BIALOSKY AND BIALOSKY NEW YORK JESSICA CHEN AND J CHEN PROJECT ROCKY CHIN AND MAY YING CHEN MAJOR GENERAL WILLIAM S. CHEN JUSTIN CHING CHRISTINE CHOY KEN ENG ED GOR ALICE HOM AND P.S. 124 YUNG WING SCHOOL DAVID HENRY HWANG GISH JEN TERRY LAUTZ JENNIFER 8. LEE RICHARD LEE DENNIS YUEH-YEH LI STEPHEN LIMPE MAYA LIN AND MAYA LIN STUDIO WILLIAM MIN CAO O BRYAN SARKINEN HENRY S. TANG AND COMMITTEE OF 100 JING TSU ABIGAIL HING WEN MEL YOUNG
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MUSEUM OF CHINESE IN AMERICA would like to give special thanks to AMYAS NAEGELE FINE ART BASES BLOOMBERG CONNECTS CCS FUNDRAISING CHEN DANCE CENTER CHINATOWN MANPOWER PROJECT CHINESE CONSOLIDATED BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION CHINESE-AMERICAN PLANNING COUNCIL CIPRIANI SOUTH STREET EVAN EISMAN COMPANY GARWOOD EVENTS GIVESMART GM PRINTING GP PRINTING HOTEL 50 BOWERY NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON UNITED STATES–CHINA RELATIONS TIFFANY & CO. UNITED EAST ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION
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STAFF Nancy Yao
President
Julian Bell
Information Technology Manager
Nora Chen
Education Associate
Kevin Chu
Registrar and Internship and Volunteer Manager
Erwin Geronimo
Director of Finance, Facilities, and Special Projects
Harvey Ngai
Collections Associate
Andrew Rebatta
Associate Curato
Jeffrey Reynolds
Venue Operations Manager
Herb Tam
Curator and Director of Exhibitions
Neil Wu-Gibbs
Chief of Staff Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives
Yue Ma
Director of Collections and Research
Lauren Nechamkin
Director of Education
Nancy Ng Tam
Collections Associate
EDUCATORS Alice Fung Stephanie Zank
Alice Ma
WELCOME TEAM Jackie Cai Jamie Li Erika Ng
Lina Khoo Lisa Ng
VIDEO PRODUCTION 44
Justin Ching Kaitlyn Huamani
Kenneth Eng Julia Lin