NEW HAVEN, Connecticut -- US Congressman David Wu received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the Pacific Islander, Asian, and Native American (PANA) Law Students Association of Yale Law School on May 5 here This marks the first time PANA has given an award to an alumnus.

“Yale Law School provided me with a solid foundation to launch my legal career and my entry into public office," said Congressman Wu.  "I am delighted and honored to accept this award.”

Wu earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Stanford University in 1977. He attended Harvard Medical School, and received a law degree from Yale University in 1982. He is the first and only Chinese American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a member of the executive board of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). He served as its chair from 2001 to 2004.

After graduating from Yale Law School and focusing on his law practice, Wu had long discussions with his family and finally decided to run for public office. He stressed that public policy matters. 

He related a family experience: “When my father came to the US in 1955, he had to leave my mom, my sisters, and me behind in Taiwan because of U.S. immigration law.  If it weren’t for the election of John F. Kennedy in 1960, I wouldn't be here today. We were on a very long waiting list to come to the US. Three months after President Kennedy was sworn into office, he signed a little known executive order which equalized the chances to come to America. Before that, it was much easier to come to the U.S. from Europe and much harder for everyone else.”

He added: “Six months after the executive order was signed, my mom, sisters, and I were on a plane to the United States. That little known executive order literally changed my life.”

Wu advised students to pursue their passions.  “Do what you love, and life will be its own reward, and your chances of success will increase…At the same time, identify your weaknesses. My weakness was public speaking, so I forced myself to ask questions and give presentations during my time at Yale. He also urged student to “build bridges” and to walk a mile in others' shoes.