On Dec. 5, 2010, the Chinese Association of Iowa’s Achievement Award Selection Committee selected the honorees for the 2010 Iowa Chinese Achievement Awards.
As a major community usanization, Chinese Association of Iowa believes that it is essential to identify and honor "role models" who can inspire all of us, especially the younger generation.
With so many community events and programs, there has never been a more important time to recognize the contributions made by businesses, usanizations and volunteers in communities across the State of Iowa and overseas who give their time and energy to support our community.
Past award winners have all been excellent examples of the leadership and volunteer spirit celebrated through the awards. From the oldest award winner to the youngest, these individuals, businesses, and usanizations have demonstrated generosity and a strong commitment to improve the well-being of our communities through their leadership, volunteering, and sacrifice.
Award Reception, New Year Dinner and Award Ceremony
With each award, The Chinese Association of Iowa publicly affirms present achievements, seeks to encourage further work on the part of the recipients, and hopes to motivate others to follow their lead in service to Iowa communities. The annual Iowa Chinese Achievement Awards Ceremony will be held at the Future Farm Administration building (FFA), DMACC Campus, Ankeny, Iowa on Saturday, February 5, 2011 from 5:00-8:00pm. The Ceremony will feature a keynote speaker, the reception and the New Year dinner (buffet style) for the award winners, their families, sponsors and community members. Tickets will be $25 for the award reception, New Year dinner and gala.
Award Ceremony Keynote
The 2010 Iowa Chinese Achievement Awards Ceremony will feature a keynote speaker.
The 2010 Iowa Chinese Achievement Awards Honorees
Dr. David Jiajian Wang Award for Humanity
Red Cross Central Iowa Chapter
The Dr. David Jiajian Wang Award for Humanity is the Chinese Association of Iowa’s most prestigious honor. In the past, the association has select individuals or a group among the top echelon of extraordinary contributors to society in our generation to recognize their distinguished humanitarian impact to the State of Iowa. Governor Robert Ray, Kemin Industries, and Eric Idehen are the honorees who have received this award since it was established in 2007.
On August 17, 2002, Dr. David Jiajian Wang, a native of China’s Hainan Island and a dentist graduate from the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry, risked his life when he tried to save a boy at Lake Panorama, Iowa.
In October 2002 Dr. David Wang received the Person of the Year award in posthumous from the Iowa Asian Alliance for his professional achievement, business development, his service to under- privileged people and his sacrifice for others. On August 17, 2003, a year after Dr. David Wang’s sacrifice, the Chinese Association of Iowa presented the Iowa Hero Award to Dr. David Wang’s mother and sister in recognition of their proud son and brother’s heroic actions for saving another’s life.
Five years after David Wang risked his life for others, the Chinese Association of Iowa established the David Jiajian Wang Award for Humanity to honor his great achievements and sacrifice for State of Iowa communities. At the Chinese Association of Iowa’s 20th Anniversary celebration in 2007, this award was presented to Governor Robert D. Ray for his great contribution as the first governor who reached out and helped the humanitarian resettlement of the Southeast Asian people to Iowa after the Vietnam War in the mid-1970s.
Grace Wang, Dr. Jiajian Wang’s former wife, Cassie Wang, Dr. Jiajian Wang’s daughter, and the Iowa Secretary of State, Michael Mauro, co-presented this award to Governor Ray. Governor Ray’s visionary act of compassion established Iowa as a welcoming place for refugees and immigrants of Asian decent. Governor Ray also played a leading role in opening U.S. relations with China. In addition he initiated Iowa’s Sister States relationships with China’s Hebei Province in the early 1980s.
Kemin Industries is the second honoree who received the David Jiajian Wang Award for Humanity. Dr. Norman Borlaug’s ethical kindness has greatly impacted Kemin Industries. Dr. Borlaug had roots that are very similar to those of RW Nelson, Founder and CEO of Kemin Industries.
The knowledge that Dr Borlaug imparted along with the business practices of Kemin Industries form the basis of good agricultural policies that makes it a reality for family farmers in China, India, Mexico, and Thailand to grow marigolds under contract as the key ingredient of Kemin Industries FloraGLO Lutein business. These family farmers cultivate and grow their crops without the use of pesticides and other chemicals that poison the environment and rob the ground of their nutrients. This enables them to grow flowers successfully year after year. Kemin Industries understands the importance of being an active member of the community in which they do business. They now operate in over 60 countries, with manufacturing facilities in China, Singapore, Thailand, India, South Africa, Belgium, Brazil and the United States. Kemin Industries makes a commitment to hire staff at all levels from the president to the plant operators from local universities and communities.
In September 2009 RW and Mary Nelson traveled to Qin (chin) Chang Village of Ming Shan County in Sichuan Province, to dedicate the Kemin Hope school. After the 2008 earthquake, Kemin challenged their employees worldwide to donate money to rebuild the school. Kemin Industries then matched those donations and as a result a new two-story school building was built with six classrooms, one multifunctional room and one office. Kemin Hope School reopened its doors to students and teachers in May 2009.
The school now accommodates more than 300 students and 10 teachers and was officially dedicated on September 2, 2009. Mr. Nelson also presented six computers to the school which will be utilized for a computer literacy program.
Locally, the Kemin staff has been active in Habitat for Humanity contributing to the building of several homes in the Des Moines area.
On Sept. 20, 2009 at Lake Panorama, Iowa, where Dr. Wang risked his life for others, Janet Nelson, the daughter of RW and Mary Nelson, received the Dr. David Jiajian Wang Award for Humanity. The award was presented by Grace Wang, Dr. Wang’s former wife, and Roger Hansen, the Committee Chair of the first annual David Wang Memorial Marathon.
On Feb. 13, 2010, Eric Idehen, Founder and President of the Board, received the
Dr. David Jiajian Wang Award for Humanity.
Eric's personal and professional travels took him from his home country of Nigeria to Ukraine, Spain, and finally the United States of America. During his long odyssey from Nigeria, he nursed the dream of opening an orphanage in Nigeria.
The Cornerstone of Hope Orphanage is the realization of that dream that began many years ago. Today the orphanage in Benin City is expanding and can provide a safe and loving shelter for 50 children. Both at home and abroad volunteers, families, and community leaders are working tirelessly towards maintaining and growing the usanization. The mission to provide a high quality of life and promising future to each child in the Cornerstone of Hope orphanage continues to be the number one priority. Eric serves as Vice President Diversity Consultant for Wells Fargo Financial Bank. He is also on the board of the Iowa Council for International Understanding, Central Iowa Chapter of the American Red Cross, Lutheran Church of Hope and several Diversity Councils, where he continues his service to his community and shares his experience with others. He is a member of the Des Moines Rotary Club.
The Outstanding Contributor Award
John Swanson
The Outstanding Contributor Award is dedicated to individuals and usanizations that have made an extraordinary contribution to State of Iowa and beyond.
Persons of the Year
Ed and Margreet van Ouwerkerk, Ames
Persons of the Year is dedicated to celebrating individuals for their distinguished involvement and contribution in the Iowa Chinese community.
Leadership in Diversity Award
Daryl Beall, State of Iowa Senator
Vicky Poole, Valley High School Principal
The award recognizes individuals and usanizations that demonstrate outstanding creativity, commitment and effectiveness in promoting diversity in State of Iowa.
The Corporate Leadership Award
Iowa Realty
The Corporate Leadership Award is dedicated to celebrating and recognizing corporations or individuals in the corporate sector who exemplify not only excellence in their profession, but also leadership and commitment in their respective communities, and to the existing corporate culture of diversity initiatives.
The Community Leadership Award
Kevin Koester, Community Education Director, Ankeny School Administration
Ko-Hsing Huang, International Student Coordinator, DMACC
The Community Leadership Award recognizes individuals and usanizations whose leadership has made a significant impact in Iowa communities. The Community Leadership Award showcases individual or usanizational excellence in leadership as demonstrated by outstanding initiative, impact of work, and inspiration of others.
The Media Leadership Award
David Ruzhao Cheng
China Tribune
The Media Leadership Award is designed for excellence in culture, lifestyle, arts, and in recognition of coverage that most accurately depicts immigration, immigrants, diversity, and international issues. Content designed to preserve and present cultural heritage in line with the challenges of the future; demonstrating valuable cultural assets clearly and informatively using state-of-the-art technology. It includes content which promotes, explains or documents international cultural activities or concepts. This award is dedicated to those who most effectively captured the essence of a major issue in global and local community diversity and conveyed it to a broad audience. This award recognizes the vital role played by the media in informing the public, as well as decision-makers, and seeks through this award to highlight the important contributions to understanding and action made by the winner of the award. Selection of the award recipient is based on the quality of the reporting as well as its wide reach among readers and viewers.
The Community Business of the Year
Comfort Suites at Living History Farms, Urbandale
Community Business of the Year award is dedicated to companies that are helping to tackle deprivation and create sustainable, dynamic and inclusive communities. It can also be for individuals whose leadership and commitment to responsible businesses have resulted in changes and improvements inside their own company inspiring other usanizations to take action.
Education Agency of the Year
Iowa State University International Students and Scholars Office
Education Agency of the Year award is dedicated to the schools or school programs that have demonstrated exemplary practices or programs in one or more of the following areas:
- Curriculum development, staff development, administrative practices to improve or provide more equitable educational opportunities for children and youth;
- Enhancement of communications within and among local school districts for ethnic groups;
- Promotion and development of state and regional delivery systems which bring about creative, efficient and effective education for diversity and international understanding.
Government Agency of the Year
City of Ankeny
Government Agency of the Year award is to recognize the extraordinary work of municipal, county, and state agencies in the State of Iowa that have provided the highest level of leadership for projects and partnerships that raise the bar as to what is possible; for jurisdictions that provide a level of excellence, expertise and service in local government for all to emulate. They have demonstrated exemplary practices or programs in one or more of the following areas:
- Unique achievements in the creation and implementation of exemplary government programs or projects and exceptional public sector contributions for diversity and international exchanges.
- Cooperative efforts between local government jurisdictions or agencies and private or non-profit usanizations resulting in positive changes in the community.
Non-profit Usanization of the Year
Dr. David Wang Memorial One Half Marathon Foundation
Non-profit Usanization of the Year award is dedicated to recognize nonprofit usanizations committed to strategic planning and cultivating local cultural, education, business, and community development.
The Asian American Achievement Award for Women’s Leadership
Mary Xu
Chicago, Illinois
The Asian American Achievement Award (AAAA) for Women’s Leadership is designed to recognizes outstanding Asian American women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in politics/government, business, education, arts, sports, non-profit usanizations, community, etc., by serving in one or more leadership roles locally, regionally and/or nationally while also advancing women’s issues through their writing/publications, research, advocacy or other activities.
Family of the Year
Jim, Christin, Andrew, Chas, Peiton, and Meilin Grant, Norwalk
Family of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional family whose dedicated volunteer service significantly contributes to improving the well-being of the community. The Family of the Year believes that the entire family supports the efforts of dedicated volunteer members, it is not necessary that each individual in the family demonstrate volunteer service.
Volunteers of the Year
Suresh Kumar
Lucy Li
David Chong Xu
Volunteers of the Year are dedicated for those who lead a life of volunteerism and making a difference in the communities in which they live and work. The nominations will be judged based on their involvement, impact to the usanization and the value of their work to the community.
Artists of the Year
Penny Furgerson, Des Moines
Qian Xu, Twin Cities, MN
Jinqian Yu, Ames
Artists of the Year are open to all artists of all abilities from beginner to professional, youth to adults and is dedicated to the volunteer professional artists to work with the Chinese Association of Iowa to creatively communicate their social messages through art.
Goodwill Ambassadors of the Year
Urbandale Public Library
Cindy J. Jones, Constituent Services Coordinator, Office of Governor Chet Culver and Lt. Governor Patty Judge
Frank Affannato, Des Moines
Goodwill Ambassadors of the Year are dedicated to an individual who with countless volunteer hours and commitment has made a positive impact on the Iowa Chinese community cultural programs. Through their actions and goodwill this person truly embodies the ambassador spirit.
Youth Leadership Award
Kevin Han, Johnston High School
Youth Leadership Award is to honor extraordinary young people for their character and leadership. The award recognizes youth under 22 years of age on Jan. 1st, 2011 who strive to be their personal best, make a positive difference in their schools, youth groups, and communities, and show outstanding qualities in servant leadership.
Youth of the Year
Eric Chen, Urbandale
Keedy Cheung, West Des Moines
Sarah Liu, Urbandale
Ashton Mellinger, West Des Moines
Eric Nie, Urbandale
Lydia Tsui, West Des Moines
Chelsea Wang, West Des Moines
Jenny Wang, Clive
Debra Yu, West Des Moines
Yale Zhu, West Des Moines
Youth of the Year recognizes the young people who serve and make a difference in our community. They will be honored for their selfless acts and character development. Youths who are attending or have attended a high school or secondary school or equivalent standard of school in any other educational establishment, must be less than 19 years of age on Jan. 1st, 2011.
Past Iowa Chinese Achievement Award Honorees (2003-2009)
The 2009 Annual Iowa Chinese Award Honorees
Dr. David Jiajian Wang Award for Humanity
Eric Idehen, Wells Fargo
The Outstanding Contributor Award
Flying Tigers - The American Volunteer Group (AVG)
Person of the Year
Cyndi Chen, Des Moines
The Corporate Leadership Award
Faegre & Benson LLP
The Media Leadership Award
Erin Kiernan, WHOTV
The Community Leadership Award
Will Zhang, Ankeny
The Community Business of the Year
C & L Company
Education Agency of the Year
Drake University Chinese Cultural Exchange Program
Government Agency of the Year
Des Moines Police Department
Non-profit Usanization of the Year
Iowa Council for International Understanding
Volunteers of the Year
Bob Petersen, Des Moines
Jian Jin, Ames
Joy Tan, Johnston
Artist of the Year
Grace Yang
Cultural Ambassador of the Year
Bethany Allison
Youth Leadership Award
Mary Feng, Johnston
Youth of the Year
Lisa Thai, Windsor Heights
Vanessa Au, West Des Moines
Jasmine Au, West Des Moines
Jessica Au, West Des Moines
The 2008 Annual Iowa Chinese Award Honorees
Dr. David Jiajian Wang Award for Humanity
Kemin Industries
Lifetime Achievement Award
Michael Earley, President of Bankers Trust
Person of the Year
Ashley Xing Lan, West Des Moines
The Outstanding Contributor Award
Shawn Johnson
The Corporate Leadership
RDG Planning and Design
The Media Leadership Award
China Tribune
The Community Leadership Award
Tim Meline, Iowa Realty
Community Business of the Year
Panda Garden, Ankeny
Education Agency of the Year
Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
Government Agency of the Year
City of Des Moines
Non-profit Usanization of the Year
Iowa Chinese Language School
Volunteers of the Year
Wai Cheng, West Des Moines
Tu Thai, Windsor Heights
Artist of the Year
Guolin Zhao
Cultural Ambassador of the Year
Don Walth, Eagle Claw Chinese Martial Art School
West Des Moines Community School District
Youth Leadership Award
Alice Yang, Valley High School, West Des Moines
Youth of the Year
Alick Feng, Valley High School, West Des Moines
Ty Hennings, Roosevelt High School, Des Moines
Mary Feng, Johnston High School, Johnston
Kevin Hu, Johnston High School, Johnston
Stenstone Huang, Pella High School, Pella
Steven Huang, Walter Payton College Pre. High School, Chicago
Minmin Qin, Johnston High School, Johnston
Alice Pestotnik, Valley High School, West Des Moines
David Xu, Roosevelt High School, Des Moines
The 2007 Annual Iowa Chinese Award Honorees
Lifetime Achievement Award
RW Nelson, the Founder and Chairman of Kemin Industries
Person of the Year
Yongmei Zhou, West Des Moines
The Outstanding Contributor Award
Chow's Gymnastics & Dance Institute
State of Washington Former Governor Gary Locke
The Corporate Leadership
Nationwide
The Media Leadership Award
Iowa Public Television
The Community Leadership Award
See Rodari, Vice President of Bankers Trust
Iowa State University Chinese Students and Scholars Friendship Association
Community Business of the Year
Green Yoga House
Education Agency of the Year
Waukee Community School District
Government Agency of the Year
Iowa Department of Economic Development
Non-profit Usanization of the Year NAACP Des Moines Branch
Family of the Year
Family of Ke Wan, Liying Xu, and Dihao Wang, Urbandale
Volunteers of the Year
Feng Li, Urbandale,
Lance Mascaro, Des Moines,
Xiang Yang, Des Moines,
Artist of the Year
Joesten Zhou, Johnston
Senior Citizen of the Year
Lianfang Xu, Johnston
Goodwill Ambassador of the Year
Lorna Davros, Executive Assistant of Des Moines City Mayor
Youth of the Year
Jingjing Han, Valley High School at West Des Moines
Kaite Hennings, Johnston High School
Wan Wang, Des Moines Christian School at Urbandale
Kevin Shi, Johnston High School
Alice Xu, Valley High School at West Des Moines
The Chinese Association of Iowa 20th Anniversary (1987-2007) Award Honorees
The David Jiajian Wang Award for Humanity
State of Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray
The David Lee Founder’s Award
G. David Hurd, Des Moines
The International Business Leadership Award
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
The Leadership in Diversity Award
Bankers Trust Company
The Outstanding Media Award
Des Moines Register
The Chinese Community Contributor Award
Wei Du, West Des Moines
Grace Wang, Urbandale
Grace Yang, Des Moines
The 2006 Annual Iowa Chinese Award Honorees
Person of the Year
Helen Lee, West Des Moines
Outstanding Contributor Award
State of Iowa Governor Thomas Vilsack
The Corporate Leadership Award
Wells Fargo
Community Leadership Award
Hilda Wolle, West Des Moines
Educational Agency of the Year
Ankeny Community School District
Government Agency of the Year
Iowa Finance Authority
Non-profit Usanization of the Year
Gift of Love International Adoptions Inc.
Community Business of the Year
Community CPA and Associates Inc.
Volunteers of the Year
Jian Gong, Ames
Shannon Haus, Ankney
Yong Huang, Des Moines
Binfang Li, Des Moines
Na Li, Ames
Goodwill Ambassador of the Year
Gil Caldwell III, Monroe
Family of the Year
The Ye Family (Tianxiang Ye, Jingwen Ming and Annie Ye), West Des Moines
Senior Citizens of the Year
Frank Affannato, Des Moines
Fuyi Qiao, West Des Moines
William Wei, Urbandale
Youth of the Year
Kimi Nelson, Dowling High School
Jean Xie, Ankeny High School
Kevin Zhou, Valley High School
Peige Zhou, Valley High School
The 2005 Annual Iowa Chinese Award Honorees
Person of the Year
Hugh Lu, Johnsoton
The Corporate Leadership Award
Dean Oestreich, President of Pioneer Hi-Bred International
Family of the Year
The Hofferber Family (Fred, Barb, Leeann, Kerry, and Colin), Des Moines
Volunteers of the Year
Lei Dong, Ames
Scott Yinzhi Zhao, Johnston
Youth of the Year
Justin Guan, Valley High School
Hanna Wolle, Valley High School
The 2004 Annual Iowa Chinese Award Honorees
Person of the Year
Frank Zhang, West Des Moines
The Corporate Leadership Award
Micheal Earley, President of Bankers Trust
Volunteers of the Year
Yulan Shen, Ames
Grace Yang, Des Moines
Youth of the Year
Annie Ye, Valley High School
The 2003 Annual Iowa Chinese Award Honorees
Persons of the Year
Dr. Jianlin Zhai and Xiaoyan Shen, West Des Moines
