On November 2, 2022, Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences was awarded special recognition for the addition of its Asian American Studies minor program, which will officially launch in fall 2023, as well as its Ethnic Studies initiatives driven by Engaging the World 2022: Leading the Conversation on Ethnic Studies (ETW) initiative.

Congressman J. Luis Correa (D-46th District) presented the Certificate of Special Recognition while attending the ETW keynote lecture by actor, author, activist, and social media favorite George Takei, who brought his powerful story of childhood imprisonment during World War II to Chapman to cap an overwhelming successful series. In his recognition, Correa applauded Wilkinson’s achievements, noting they “will empower diversity and continue strengthening the community.”

Earlier this year the college received a prestigious Humanities Initiatives at Colleges and Universities grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities–the largest NEH grant in University history–to establish the Asian American Studies minor at Chapman University as well as ethnic studies courses and programming.

This fall’s Engaging the World series included film screenings, artist talks, lectures, and panel discussions focused on race, ethnicity, and indigeneity to highlight diverse histories, cultures, perspectives, and community work of people of color within and beyond the United States. This included the adoption of an ethnic studies requirement in the Santa Ana Unified School District, the resiliency of the Sikh American community, and Native American art.

The college is proud of these recognitions for our commitment to a 21st century humanities education and a multicultural education, emphasizing the diversity that exists in the history of the country. We’re equally proud of our students, faculty, and staff, as well as our campus partners, without whom these recognitions would not have been possible.

(Pictured above: Left to right, Wilkinson College Dean Jennifer D. Keene; Author, Activist, Actor George Takei; Congressman J. Luis Correa).