Azusa, Calif.- The Chinese Historical Society of Southern California and Azusa Pacific University will cohost a book preview and signing event for project director L.P. Leung’s Portraits of Pride II: Chinese-American Legacies—First 160 Years in America on Thurs., Oct. 13, from 6-8 p.m. in Wilden Hall.
Leung’s book, published by the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California, offers biographical sketches of more than 30 notable Chinese Americans including:
- Olympic skater Michelle Kwan
- Historian Iris Chang
- Award-winning architect I.M. Pei
- Artist and designer Maya Ying Lin
- Classical cellist virtuoso Yo-Yo Ma
- Oscar-winning cinematographer James Wong Howe
- Inventor and entrepreneur An Wang
- “The first lady of physics,” C.S. Wu
“Historically, Chinese Americans played a major part in the development of the American West in the areas of transportation, farming, fishing, and engineering,” Leung said. “Today, Chinese Americans make significant contributions in the fields of engineering, science, and academia. However, they are generally overlooked by American history taught in our schools. I hope the successes and achievements profiled in this book will help Chinese American young people appreciate their heritage. More than that, I believe the individuals featured in Portraits of Pride II can be role models for all cultures.”
As the volunteer project director for Portraits in Pride II, Leung spent four years conducting research, recruiting writers and editing articles on behalf of the nonprofit Chinese Historical Society of Southern California. Free copies of the book will be sent to numerous high schools, universities, and public libraries throughout the country.
Leung attended APU from 1958-59. After graduating with a B.A. in History from Pasadena College (now Point Loma University), he went on to study at the University of Southern California, became a CPA, and founded his own company. Leung’s vast experience and passion for auditing led him back to APU where he helped expand the university’s accounting major. The L.P. and Timothy Leung School of Accounting, housed in APU’s School of Business and Management, offers strong academics combined with practical training, while giving a high priority to ethics.
