Press Release

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                    Delta College Dedicates the Elizabeth Humbargar Tolerance Garden

     

San Joaquin Delta College joined the Stockton Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League and the Stockton Japanese American community to dedicate the Elizabeth Humbargar Tolerance Garden on Saturday, April 14, 2012. An impressive public turnout joined Delta College officials and former Elizabeth Humbargar students, Esther Fong and Mel Corren. The garden recognizes former Delta College counselor Elizabeth Humbargar for her sacrifices on behalf of the Japanese-American community, and all students, during the turbulent years of World War II and beyond.

Located behind Delta’s Lawrence and Alma DeRicco Student Services Building, the Elizabeth Humbargar Tolerance Garden is a restful meeting and break area for students, staff and the public alike. The Humbarger Garden is a splendid accompaniment to Delta’s refurbished nature trail, which consists of a series of gardens and native California trees, meant for enjoyment, study and research.

Elizabeth Humbargar was an educator and mentor to many of Stockton’s Japanese American students. She guided her students to academic success, furthering their education into college. During World War II, Ms. Humbargar helped many Japanese Americans continue their education during relocation to the internment camps. When Japanese-American citizens were placed in concentration camps, she worked to improve camp conditions and campaigned tirelessly for the release of Japanese-Americans.

To some, Elizabeth Humbargar was considered traitorous for the work she performed. Regardless, she remained steadfast in her dedication to Japanese-American students. Her efforts continued during the post war years, assisting students during their relocation back to California and eventual return to school. Ms. Humbargar went on to work at San Joaquin Delta College as a guidance counselor, inspiring a generation of students with her commitment to their academic success.

As Elizabeth Humbargar's dedication plaque relates:
Elizabeth Humbargar's steady gaze, iron will to fight injustice, and promise of a better future continued for all students until her retirement in 1969, and inspires us still today.

For more information on this event and the Stockton Japanese American Citizen's League (JACL), Please contact JACL President, Steven Sue, (209) 329-0661.


                                  Elizabeth Humbarger Tolerance Garden Dedication
                           (L- R) Acting Delta College Superintendent/President, Dr. Kathy Hart, Event Host Kristi Agari,
                           Delta College Trustees - Taj M. Khan, Dr. Mary Ann Cox and Board President Janet Rivera


  Mel Corren, a former student of Elizabeth Humbargar at Delta College, shows-off  a photo of himself
  and Ms. Humbargar.

Retired Stockton Unified instructor and former Elizabeth Humbargar student, Esther Fong, addresses the dedication gathering.


          Former Delta College instructor Nelson Nagai relates the history of Elizabeth Humbargar.


                                  The Beautiful Elizabeth Humbargar Tolerance Garden

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