In Memory of Paul Pando Whang

Mr. Paul Pando Whang’s wife, Ruth Whang, and his three children, Gail, Denise and Ron Whang, established the Paul Whang Memorial Fellowship Endowment in his memory. Paul Whang was one of the University’s first Korean American graduates. Born and raised in San Francisco, Paul Whang was the son of a minister, Whang San Sun, at the Korean Methodist Church on Powell Street.

He graduated from the University, then known as San Francisco State in 1939 with a baccalaureate degree in Physical Education and a Junior High School Teaching Credential. At a time when racial discriminatory practices were the norm, Paul Whang faced setbacks in his dreams of becoming a teacher. After service in the US Navy and many other jobs, he passed the Civil Service Exam and began a career at the Chinese Playground in San Francisco. For over 30 years, he served the youth of San Francisco’s Chinatown as Director at the Chinese Playground and the Chinese Recreation Center. With immigrant parents working long hours and youth gangs rampant in Chinatown, Paul Whang served as a surrogate parent to many youths, visiting their homes and encouraging them to stay in school.

In honor of Paul Whang’s dedication to helping youth, the Paul Whang Memorial Fellowship Endowment shall encourage and provide support to college students interested in working with low-income youth in Asian American communities.