UC San Diego Receives Leadership Award from Union of Pan Asian Communities

May 12, 2009

By Pat JaCoby

A traditional Chinese incense burner, symbolic of the proverb that says “if the leader does the right thing, the whole society benefits,” was presented to UC San Diego by the Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) during the non-profit organization’s recent awards gala.

The 2009 UPAC Leadership Award was accepted by Sandra Daley, associate chancellor and chief diversity officer, representing the university.

In making the presentation, Margaret Penrose,  UPAC president and CEO, said “on behalf of UPAC’s family of client beneficiaries, staff and volunteers, we present UC San Diego with a traditional Chinese incense burner with its handles designed in the form of a dragon, denoting power and prestige. UC San Diego has truly made a lasting impact regionally, nationally and globally, and has inspired many generations, past, present and future. Your leadership, innovation, economic contributions and excellence have truly embodied UPAC’s ideals of vision, courage and compassion.”

Founded in 1974, UPAC is a comprehensive health and human service organization which addresses the critical social, psychological, physical and economic needs of Asian, Pacific Islander and other ethnic communities of San Diego County. It represents 27 languages and dialects, and reaches more than 35,000 residents through 30 programs annually.

Media Contact: Pat JaCoby, 858-534-7404 or pjacoby@ucsd.edu