Fujio Matsuda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fujio Matsuda
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | October 18, 1924 Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
|
| Died | August 23, 2020 (aged 95) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| Occupation | Engineering researcher, Professor of Engineering, President of University of Hawaii |
| Spouse(s) | Amy Saiki |
Fujio "Fudge" Matsuda (松田 富士男) (October 18, 1924 – August 23, 2020) was a very important leader in Hawaii. He made history by becoming the first Japanese American president of the University of Hawaii. This also meant he was the first Asian American to lead a major university in the United States. He was an engineer, a professor, and a leader who helped shape education and transportation in Hawaii.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Fujio Matsuda was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on October 18, 1924. His parents, Yoshio and Shimo Matsuda, had moved to Hawaii from Japan. Fujio grew up in a place called Kakaʻako. He finished high school at McKinley High School in 1942.
In 1943, Matsuda joined the 442nd Infantry. This was a famous U.S. Army unit made up mostly of Japanese American soldiers. After World War II ended, Matsuda studied at the University of Hawaii for two years. Then, he transferred and graduated from Rose Polytechnic Institute in 1949. That same year, he married Amy Saiki. In 1952, he earned a special advanced degree called a doctorate in structural engineering from MIT.
His Amazing Career
After getting his doctorate, Matsuda worked as a researcher at MIT for two years. Then, he worked at the University of Illinois for one year. In 1955, he returned to Hawaii. He taught in the University of Hawaii's engineering department until 1962. During this time, he also worked at a small engineering company.
In 1962, he was asked to lead the Hawaii Engineering Experiment Station. But before he could start, Governor John A. Burns asked him to lead the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Matsuda led the Department of Transportation for ten years, from 1963 to 1973. In 1973, Matsuda returned to the University of Hawaii as the vice president of business affairs.
Leading the University of Hawaii
On July 14, 1974, Fujio Matsuda was chosen to be the ninth president of the University of Hawaii. This was a huge achievement, making him the first Japanese American to hold such a high position. During his time as president, many new buildings were constructed. These included several student dorms and eight other buildings, like the Richardson School of Law.
He also made important changes to the community college system. He organized it so that each community college would have its own leader, called a chancellor. This helped the colleges run more smoothly. He left his role as president on May 31, 1984.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1985, a building at Windward Community College was named after him. It was called the Fujio Matsuda Education Center. Matsuda eventually retired in 1996. Before retiring, he spent ten years as the director of the University of Hawaii's Research Corporation. He also served for two years as the president of the Japan America Institute of Management Science.
After he retired, Matsuda continued to help his community. He joined the boards of several non-profit organizations. One important role was helping the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii in 2003, when it was facing financial trouble. In 2004, Matsuda was honored as a Living Treasure of Hawaii. This award recognizes people who have made great contributions to the state.
Fujio Matsuda passed away at his home in 2020. He was 95 years old. He is remembered as a pioneering leader who opened doors for many others.
