Anyone who’s reading this knows about Kam Kuwata, either by reputation or if you were lucky, by personal interaction and friendship. We know what an effective political operative he was, of course, and what a good and kind person he was as well. But one side of Kam you may not have seen was his willingness to be so helpful and encouraging to young people, and how devoted he was toward supporting them as they decided whether and how to involve themselves in public service.
He not only participated in our events at USC, but he would stay afterwards to talk individually with students who were considering careers in politics or government. He demonstrated to them that you could respect an opponent while still holding firm to your own principles and beliefs, and that you could fight fiercely on behalf of those beliefs without demonizing those with whom you disagreed.
As those of us who’ve known Kam for so many years begin to consider our own lives after politics, I can think of no greater tribute to him than to provide that same guidance and support to our next generation of political leaders. We at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and at the Unruh Institute are committed to carrying on his name, his memory and his legacy. We hope you’ll join us.
KAM KUWATA AWARD FOR POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT
Kam Kuwata’s passion for politics is legendary. It was a passion he
shared with everyone around him, regardless of political party or
ideology. Kam’s keen interest in politics developed at a young age.
Kam studied political science at University of Southern California and
volunteered for several Democratic campaigns and causes. He earned his
degree in 1975 and, as a proud member of the Trojan Family, he
generously gave back to his Alma Mater over the ensuing years.The Unruh Institute of Politics at USC Dornsife College has benefited
immensely from Kam’s generous participation in several programs hosted
by the Institute. His most recent appearance was on the evening of
November 17, 2010, when Kam took part in our post-midterm election
panel discussion about the California campaigns for governor, US
Senate, and the state’s ballot propositions. USC students stayed long
after the program to talk informally with Kam and his fellow
panelists. No one need underscore how valuable these interactions are
to the students: encouraging their political voice, extending
expertise and a longer-view of the electoral politics, and fostering
an enthusiasm for lively debate. Kam never forgot the importance of
offering support and guidance to these young people and he always set
an example of devotion to public service.Beginning Spring 2012, the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics at USC
will offer an annual award for a student or students whose academic
work, political involvement, and civic engagement has prepared him/her
for the valuable experience of working on a political campaign. The
Kam Kuwata USC award will be given to a student or students who have
demonstrated a strong interest in campaign politics and provide them
with financial support to work on behalf of a candidate or cause that
inspires them.In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kam Kuwata Award may be made to
USC’s Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics. This award will honor
Kam’s work and inspire young people to continue his legacy of public
service and political advocacy. Please make checks payable to The USC
Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics and mail to: USC Jesse M. Unruh
Institute of Politics, University Park Campus, Von KleinSmid Center
(VKC) Room 263, Los Angeles, California 90089-0045. Phone:
213-740-8964, Web: www.usc.edu/unruh