As part of an ongoing relationship with the Korean-American community in Los Angeles and abroad, the USC School of Social Work hosted a reception at the Radisson Wilshire Plaza Hotel on April 6 to announce the grand opening of the newly endowed Center for Asian Pacific Leadership Development.

The event also featured a presentation by Dr. Maura O'Keefe, USC School of Social Work, on the results of a study on the social service and community organizational needs of Koreatown, which was conducted in commemoration of the centennial celebration of Korean immigration to America. Study findings may assist social service agencies and government planners improve the social welfare of the Korean community.

Jong Kul Lee, Korean National Assembly, and Kyung Yang Park, president of Harlex, were among the dignitaries and prominent local Korean-American business leaders in attendance.

Under the directorship of Dr. Jehoon Lee at the USC School of Social Work, the Center for Asian-Pacific Leadership will promote an understanding of the social, economic and political challenges facing Asian nations and prepare their emerging leaders for global transformation.