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Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month

In Focus

Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month

This month we celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Harvard’s Asian and Pacific Island communities.

This marble slab, or stele, was presented to Harvard in 1936 as a gift from Chinese alumni on the occasion of the University’s tercentenary. Learn more about the stele

Our community, past and present


Educating myself on the expansive history of Asian Americans has been fundamental to accepting pieces of my identity I previously denied.”

Keun-woo Lee

Harvard Graduate School of Education

Keun-woo Lee smiling
Namhi Kim Wagner talking to people

Namhi Kim Wagner

Namhi Kim Wagner, who passed away earlier this year, was the first director of the Korean Language Program at Harvard University. She generously shared her passion for the Korean language and Korean Studies with generations of faculty, staff, and students.

Learn more about her life

Exploring Asian and Pacific Island scholarship

Recent gifts from Asian American alumni leaders have created a historic expansion of Harvard’s Asian American studies program.

Learn more about the program

A children's classroom with a teacher at the front
  • Elementary

The need for Asian American history in schools

Stewart Kwoh, co-executive director of the Asian American Education Project, is developing curriculums and trainings to help educators embrace the rich history.

The need for Asian American history in schools
  • Living history

Bringing the 'ula lei back to life

Fellows researching Oceanic necklaces
Bringing the 'ula lei back to life
  • Adaptability

Fighting bigotry with art

A watercolor of two men wearing COVID masks
Fighting bigotry with art
  • Family story

One woman, three lives

Sara Porkalob on stage
One woman, three lives
  • Responsibility

Answering the civic call

Sokhary Chau talking into a microphone
Answering the civic call
  • Visibility

Student work, center stage

Students on stage putting on a play
Student work, center stage
  • Equity

Marshall Islands, past and future

A rainbow shining over a beach
Marshall Islands, past and future

Harvard’s hubs in Asia

A globe of the earth
  • Harvard-China Project on Energy, Economy and Environment

    Along with partner institutions in China, the project conducts studies on climate change, energy systems, and economic development.

  • Harvard Center Shanghai

    The center makes it possible for Harvard faculty and students to study and work in China, and supports activities that bring Chinese students, scholars, and professionals to Harvard.

  • Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute India Office

    The office in Delhi supports a variety of activities, including collaborative research projects, student internships, language studies, and postdoctoral fellowships.

  • Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health India Research Center

    The Mumbai-based center is designed to broaden and coordinate Harvard’s existing collaborations and create new relationships with organizations and agencies across India.

  • Harvard Business School centers

    Harvard Business School has many centers across the globe, including Japan Research Center, Asia-Pacific Research Center, and India Research Center in Asia.