It is my great pleasure to announce that Harry Chang, past President of AAAYA National and Co-Chair of the inaugural Yale Asian Alumni Reunion, has been selected as a recipient of the 2015 AYA Leadership Award for Volunteer Innovation and Service, which is for “outstanding volunteers who have demonstrated passion for their willingness to give back, a penchant for innovation and out-of-box thinking, and selfless service to Yale.”
To briefly highlight Harry’s involvement, he first worked with AAAYA back in the early 1990’s in the Bay Area and was the first President of the Northern CA chapter of AAAYA. He also helped raise money in the 1990’s to fund summer opportunities for Yale undergrads to work on independent projects or internships for organizations that serve Asian American communities annually. He helped raise about $150,000 to establish an endowment fund to honor classmate, Tina Yeh, after she passed away in a Singapore Airlines accident in October 2000 which funds summer internship opportunities for Yale students. The Tina Yeh Fellowship continues to give grants to current Yale students annually. As many of us know, Harry was a key factor in ensuring that not only did we have a great program for YAAR but that it went off successfully. Harry continues to give his time and efforts to promoting AAAYA’s future development and growth. I am happy that AYA has recognized Harry’s leadership, dedication and hard work for the Yale Asian American community.
For those who will be attending the AYA Assembly, Harry will receive the award at the AYA Volunteer Leadership Awards Reception at the Presidents’ Room from 5:30pm to 7:00pm on November 20, 2015.
Please join me in congratulating Harry.
Tiffany Co
AAAYA National President
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