Dr. Yung-Chen Lu
Professor Emeritus of the Mathematics Department at The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
has dedicated himself to community service for many years. He is a collaborator and convener. Through his persistent advocacy for a diverse, strong society in central Ohio, many people of different ethnicity and religions in all walks of life have worked together to build a better and safer community. Dr. Lu founded the Asian-American Community Service Council in June, 1994, and he became its first elected President. His proposal to the Council for an Asian Festival was unanimously approved in July, 1994. The Asian Festival was established in 1995 as a showcase of Asian cultures. The free event offers educational exhibits, visual and performing arts, health screenings, demonstrations, and Asian food. It is the largest Asian Festival in the nation with 15 ethnic groups participating. In 2008, the 2-day event drew over 150,000 attendees.
Access to healthcare was another identified need. Dr. Lu established the Asian Health Initiative (AHI) in 1997 with a free clinic to provide clinical services specifically for central Ohio’s Asian Americans and especially for those with language barriers. Dr. Lu is Professor Emeritus of the Mathematics Department at The Ohio State University. He joined OSU in 1970 and retired in July of 2002. His loving wife of 50 years, Katherine, volunteers her time and energy for his community service
endeavors. They have two children and six grandchildren who all live in New York.