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Remarks Prepared for Delivery by
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
International Leadership Foundation
Reception
Washington, D.C.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Thank you, Paul [Tsu, Chairman of ILF]. I am delighted to be here
to help celebrate the achievements of the International Leadership Foundation.
I would also like to thank C.C. Yin [Former President, ILF], Derek
Chen [President, ILF], Chiling Tong [Co-Founder, ILF],
Joel Szabat [Founder, ILF], Judy Coffman [Senior Advisor, ILF],
and the International Leadership Foundation for your continued commitment to
advancing opportunities for young people.
I would also like to acknowledge Sam Mok of the Department of Labor, and the
other Administration appointees here en force tonight. It's good to see you
all.
And congratulations to all of tonight's awardees.
I'd like to say a few words in tribute to Dr. John Tsu. With his passing this
year, the Asian Pacific American community lost a great champion. As Chairman
Emeritus of the International Leadership Foundation and a lifelong community
leader, educator, activist, philanthropist and political mentor, Dr. Tsu dedicated
his life to helping Asian Pacific Americans advance within mainstream America.
At a time when few Asian Pacific Americans participated in our country's political
traditions, he led the way. He was a trailblazer, a pioneer and a true champion
of our community. When others became discouraged, he would leap into action,
offer encouragement, help out and never give up.
Throughout the decades, when Asian Pacific Americans were not visible or active
participants in the democratic process, he worked and fought for more Asian
Pacific Americans to be appointed to high-level positions in the government.
And what a transformation he helped to bring about! Today, more Asian Pacific
Americans than ever before are working at high levels of the government.
He was a close advisor to the Administrations of U.S. Presidents Richard Nixon,
Ronald Reagan, George Herbert Walker Bush and George W. Bush.
In fact, in President George W. Bush's Administration, there are nearly 290
political appointees at the highest levels of our government. Asian Pacific
Americans are an increasingly visible and important part of our democratic
process.
Dr. Tsu was always a champion of education. Within the International Leadership
Foundation and elsewhere, he counseled so many young people on the importance
of education, service and leadership.
He left a strong legacy for many of us who now serve in the government and
participate in civic and community activities. His achievements will continue
to encourage and inspire future generations of Asian Pacific Americans to participate
fully in advancing opportunities for our community and our country.
So tonight, we celebrate the achievements of the International Leadership
Foundation and we remember Dr. John Tsu and his legacy—many of us in this room.
His devotion to our community, and his commitment to helping others build brighter
futures will be remembered forever.
Thank you.
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