Cal State campuses set to grant honorary degrees to Japanese-Americans interned during WWII
By APThursday, May 13, 2010
Cal State to grant degrees to WWII internees
LONG BEACH, Calif. — More than 70 Japanese-Americans whose college careers at California State University campuses were derailed when they were sent to World War II internment camps are getting their diplomas.
Six CSU campuses are awarding honorary degrees over the next three weeks to former students who were unable to complete their studies.
Some of the aging alumni plan to attend the special commencement ceremonies. Those who are deceased or unable to travel will be represented by their families.
Both the Cal State system and the University of California last year decided to belatedly honor the estimated 950 students who were forced to leave college in 1942 for internment camps throughout the West.
