Vietnamese Americans contending with war and postwar policies
In October 2023, the US-Vietnam Research Center organized a two-day conference on campus to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the civil war in Vietnam, funded in part by the Global Justice Program, administered by GSI. Vietnamese American scholars, activists and community members gathered to share their thoughts, experiences, and concerns about the past, present, and future. Discussion topics included war and postwar legacies; political, economic, social and cultural efforts to develop the community and to preserve memory for the next generation; and inter-generational differences. The event would not have taken place without support from GSI, said political science professor Tuong Vu, director of the US-Vietnam Research Center. “The conference brought together community leaders and academics across the country for an important dialogue at a milestone in the history of the community,” Vu said. Dennis Galvan, dean and vice provost for the Division of Global Engagement, gave the opening remarks to the conference, highlighting the UO’s missions and support for internationalization. The GSI’s staff were instrumental in the success of the conference, Vu said.