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Asian American Alumni Association of Princeton (A4P) Records
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Held at: Princeton University Library: University Archives [Contact Us]
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Princeton University Library: University Archives. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
Overview and metadata sections
Created between 1977-1979 the Asian American Alumni Association of Princeton (A4P) aims to support the community of Princeton alumni in advancing Asian-American and Asian issues in student life, University affairs, personal and professional development, and community service.
For preservation reasons, original analog and digital media may not be read or played back in the reading room. Users may visually inspect physical media but may not remove it from its enclosure. All analog audiovisual media must be digitized to preservation-quality standards prior to use. Audiovisual digitization requests are processed by an approved third-party vendor. Please note, the transfer time required can be as little as several weeks to as long as several months and there may be financial costs associated with the process. Requests should be directed through the Ask Us Form.
This collection was processed by Valencia Johnson in August 2022. Finding aid written by Valencia Johnson in August 2022. Oral history summaries written by Daniel Song (Class of 2026) and James Morales (Class of 20226).
No materials were removed from the collection during 2022 processing beyond routine appraisal practices.
Organization
- Publisher
- University Archives
- Finding Aid Author
- Valencia Johnson
- Finding Aid Date
- 2022
- Access Restrictions
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This collection is open for research.
- Use Restrictions
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Collection Inventory
The We Flourish conference was a multi-day event at Princeton celebrating Asian and Asian American alumni. During this event, several A4P members were interviewed.
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Alfred discusses growing up in the U.S. as the child of immigrants, and attending a Catholic boys school before coming to Princeton University. He reflects on his thesis experience, which caused him anxiety and was left unfinished while highlighting the support from his parents. Alfred also mentions the impact of Princeton on his subsequent career, noting the strong alumni network and the credibility associated with the Princeton brand in various interactions.
Alfred talks about his decision to study architecture at Princeton and the challenges he faced in transitioning to college life. He also discusses the rigorous and rational approach of architecture that drew him to the field, despite it not being a natural fit initially. Alfred also details protests and activism during his time at Princeton, including discussions around the Vietnam War and the formation of the Asian American Students Association (AASA). He recalls participating in efforts to increase diversity on campus, such as supporting the push for a third world center and joining in solidarity with other minority groups. Alfred also reflects on instances of discrimination and prejudice, sharing a story about confronting individuals making racist jokes and the importance of standing up against such behavior.
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B Li discussed the challenges of being one of the few Asian-Americans on campus at Princeton at the time, specifically the pressure to assimilate and Li wanted to avoid clustering with other Asian students to fit in. But Li found empowerment in initiating and leading a seminar during junior year, emphasizing the unique opportunity to start something from scratch as a student. Li also talked a bit about exploring topics of Daoist alchemy and flight symbolism in Buddhism inside Li's senior thesis.
Li's involvement in founding the Asian-American Student Association at Princeton and serving as its first President underscored their commitment to fostering a sense of community and addressing important issues related to Asian-American identity. Li also talks about the Asian Pacific American Medical Students Association, where Li provides talks to chapters across the country as a way of giving back and sharing insights gained from their own identity struggles and journey to becoming a successful physician.
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Bing Shen shared insights into his upbringing in Taiwan, Congo, and the United States, and also the challenges he faced as a student, particularly adjusting to the dating scene at Princeton, which was all-male during his time. He emphasized the importance of securing summer jobs—a new process for him upon entering college. But Shen also notes that he felt reasonably prepared overall for Princeton, thanks in part to his boarding school background.
Shen discusses his research into Australian relations with Asia for his thesis, which was supported by the McConnell fellowship. He reflected on the thesis writing process, noting the intensive labor that went into it due to the absence of the internet. Shen also touched on the social life at Princeton, highlighting the prominence of eating clubs and the significance of the annual prom. He also discussed the 1970 strike in response to President Nixon's decision on Cambodia, and the impact of the Vietnam War and Civil Rights Movement on campus discussions and student life. Shen also talks about his career in banking and investments, with a significant portion of his life spent in the US, interspersed with periods in Asia. He expressed a desire for Princeton to amplify its storytelling to showcase the university's strengths and achievements on par with other renowned institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT.
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Born and raised in Toronto, Bob Lem attended an all-boys school before coming to Princeton, where he attended the Woodrow Wilson School. He discusses his interest in Asian and Asian American studies, but noted the lack of courses in that area during his time at Princeton. Lem highlighted the intense but engaging intellectual atmosphere—particularly policy conferences—at Princeton and the Woodrow Wilson School. His thesis focused on the impact of patents on fiscal policy. Lem discussed the limited presence of Asian American affinity groups during his undergraduate years, noting that the Chinese Students' Association was primarily run by graduate students. He discusses how he felt a bit like an outsider, as there was alnaguage barrier with the graduate students, and how many events didn't feel like they brought together undergraduate Chinese students as most events were held at Graduate College. He also recalls the winding down of the Vietnam War and a school visit by Lyndon B. Johnson. He also mentioned how he tended to follow his friends where they went, including for eating clubs. Lem also credited Princeton with shaping his intellectual rigor and impacting his career trajectory. He emphasized the importance of the friendships he developed at Princeton, both during his time as a student and in later years, highlighting the strong bond that a shared Princeton background creates among alumni, displayed in Lem's involvement as the treasurer of his class and anticipation for his 50th reunion.
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Chuen Yee reflects on her upbringing in New York where she attended the Bronx High School of Science. She talks about challenges she faced like the difficult Princeton entrance written essay, and also the academic rigor at Princeton. Yee describes the value of hard work and the importance of adapting to different academic environments, and mentions how it applied to her time at Princeton, medical school, and in the corporate world. Yee also talks about her time in work-study programs, where she developed teamwork skills and discovered her work preferences. Yee also recalls the discussions about the Vietnam War and demonstrations related to the presence of the daughter of Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines on campus. Yee also emphasizes the need for Princeton to evolve and embrace diversity to remain relevant in a changing world.
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Torigoe discusses his background, including his upbringing in Hawaii being of Japanese ancestry, and shares a poignant story about his parents marrying the day before Pearl Harbor. He recalls his decision to attend Princeton for graduate school based on the recommendation of a professor. He also discusses his life at Princeton, highlighting the camaraderie with his roommates and the challenges of balancing academic pursuits with extracurriculars. Torigoe also talks about the political climate at Princeton, mentioning the presence of the Students for Democratic Society (SDS) and their response to events like the bombing of Cambodia. He also reflects on his involvement in activism on campus, including organizing events related to the Black Panther partyAdditionally, Torigoe touches on the social dynamics at Princeton, noting the presence of male chauvinism and the struggles faced by female students on campus. He also addresses the issue of stereotyping of Asian Americans and the importance of raising their voices to be heard.
He also discusses his decision to not complete his PhD and instead pursue a job in New York City teaching Asian American Studies at City College of New York. Torigoe mentions the influence of his professor, Marvin Bressler, who predicted he wouldn't finish his PhD, and how he transitioned to working in the budget department at the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, where he has been for 30 years.
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Elaine talks about her family background being deeply rooted in a legacy of valuing education and how it was intertwined with her family's immigration story. She mentions how despite financial challenges, Elaine's father and a generous offer from a customer of her father's TV sales and repair business helped pave the way for her to attend Princeton. She also mentions how her allergist encouraged her to apply to Princeton, and how her pediatrician was her admissions interviewer. Elaine also discusses her extracurriculars on campus, including working at Prospect House and participating in tennis and diving. She emphasizes her experience working ten to twelve jobs in the Princeton work-study program that allowed her to work in fields she enjoyed while getting paid. She also reflects on her father's passing, when she had to take on the responsibility of running his business during the summer, and how Princeton University's Financial Aid Office provided support by increasing her scholarship and allowing her to borrow more money to continue her education. Elaine expresses gratitude for Princeton's compassion and support during a tough time in her life, which in turn inspired her to give back through annual donations and contributions to Princeton as she progressed in her post-graduate years. And as she approaches retirement, Elaine expresses her interest in exploring more ways to contribute to Princeton and create a lasting legacy for future Asian alumni at Princeton.
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Gordon discusses growing up in Piedmont, California, as the son of a Chinese immigrant to his experiences at Princeton University. He discusses family history, his high school education and the influence of a teacher who encouraged him to apply to Princeton. Gordon reflects on his initial challenges adjusting to the East Coast culture and the academic rigor at Princeton, where he felt unprepared compared to his peers from elite backgrounds.
Gordon also discusses his interest in government and international relations, inspired by figures like George Kennan, the former U.S Ambassador to Russia and faculty member of the Princeton Institute for Advanced Studies. He describes his first time traveling to Princeton, taking a train across the country with his mother, and his first impressions of the campus. Gordon also discusses his involvement in social protests during his senior year and how it led him to connect with other Asian Americans with similar interests. He reflects on the impact of his Princeton education on his career and personal development, highlighting the importance of diversity and social activism in shaping his post-graduate experiences. Gordon also praises Princeton for its leadership in promoting diversity and minority representation.
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Doo discusses transferring into Princeton before co-education through the critical languages program. She speaks about the differences between Vassar and Princeton, majoring in East Asian Studies, and hanging out with other Asian American students.She also describes anti-Vietnam War sentiments on campus and the impact Princeton had on her life.
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Zia speaks about attending Princeton as an Asian-American woman as Princeton initiated co-education. She discusses her advocacy against the Vietnam War, founding the Asian American Students Association, and finding community in the Third World Center. In addition, she talks about traveling to China during the 1970s, forming student-initiated seminars on Asian American history, and her life after Princeton.
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Chen describes racism he experienced before Princeton, how he came to attend the University, and joining the cycling team. He also talks about studying during the Cuban Missile Crisis, raiding Westminster College, and his experience as a chemistry major. Finally, he discusses his career at Bell Labs, auditing Princeton's Asian-American curriculum, and his continued involvement with the University community.
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Miller talks about attending Princeton before and during the beginnings of co-education through the University's critical language program. She speaks about majoring in East Asian studies, her experience in classes, and her friendships with other students. Finally, she discusses joining the Woodrow Wilson Society, her participation in class-wide activism against the Vietnam War, and joining the Princeton Club of New York.
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Yee speaks about transferring into Princeton before co-education, her experience during the first year of co-education, and how her solidarity with African-American students influenced her academic interests. In addition, she discusses Princeton academics, volunteering at a community center, her participation in anti-war activism, and a national student strike during her senior year.
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Yee talks about her identity as a Chinese immigrant and her experience at Princeton as an Asian-American, female student. She discusses transitioning into Princeton academics, the work-study program in the Commons, and her decision to major in psychology. She also describes her social life, her awareness of Asian American peers, and her decision to return to Princeton as an event conference staff member.
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Wong speaks about why he decided to attend Princeton, his experience as an Asian-American student and majoring in biochemistry. He also discusses eating off of a meal plan, his friendships with roommates, and wrestling for the University team. Finally, he talks about forming a community with other Asian students, conducting mission work during medical school, and raising funds for American Asian studies at Princeton.
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Wynne explains her identity as a Japanese-American, her acceptance into Princeton, and her participation in a summer program before beginning Princeton. She discusses joining the Chinese Club, her sense of community with other students of color, and creating a student-initiated seminar on Japanese-Americans. Finally, she explains her thesis, participating in a sit-in at Firestone and the subsequent punishment, and her family's internment during WW2.
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