Volume 56, Number 38    June 22, 2009         

Kenji Murase
Professor Emeritus of Social Work Kenji Murase passed away June 2 at the age of 89. Murase served as a professor in the School of Social Work from 1967-90 and developed a reputation as a prolific writer, researcher and community activist. During his time at SF State, Murase led several national social work groups and was the University's first director of the Institute for Multicultural Research and Social Practice.

After his retirement, Murase dedicated time to a variety of Japanese nonprofit organizations, including the Nisei Student Relocation Commemorative Fund (NSRCF), which was established in 1993 and provides annual scholarships to needy Southeast Asian students who are refugees or descendents of refugees. Murase established the first NSRCF scholarship in San Francisco in 1983. "Kenji Murase was recognized nationally and internationally because of his multicultural diversity research, publications and professional work," School of Social Work Director Rita Takahashi said. "He was involved in social justice pedagogy, research and practice long before many others began to explore this important area." A memorial service will be held June 28 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, 1840 Sutter St.  

1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132 415/338-1111
Last modified June 22, 2009 by University Communications.