New Book by Carleton Professor Uncovers a Little Known Chapter in the College’s History
In a presentation entitled “From Minidoka to Minnesota,” Fred Hagstrom, the Carleton College Rae Schupack Nathan Professor of Art, will speak about his efforts to seek out and uncover a little known chapter in the College’s history. Hagstrom’s quest has culminated in a new book he’s calling “deeply honored,” that tells the fascinating story of Frank Shigemura, a young Japanese-American man who came to Carleton from an internment camp during World War II. Hagstrom’s presentation will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 4:30 p.m. in the Boliou Hall Auditorium. The event, which includes a reception with light refreshments, is free and open to the public.
“Deeply honored” is a story about the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and how Carleton College accepted several students under scholarship in an effort to remove them from the camps and enable them to continue their education as part of the Student Relocation Council. Hagstrom’s beautiful book commemorates this amazing story, presenting a collection of letters written by Frank Shigemura, the first Japanese internment student to attend Carleton College in 1943, along with archival letters from his family. Hagstrom explains, “The book is about this tremendous family and what they did in the face of one of the great injustices of our [nation’s] history.”
After attending Carleton for one year in 1943, Shigemura enlisted in the war and was subsequently killed in France. His parents were released from internment camp following the war, at which time they began to make contributions to the College in gratitude of their son’s removal from the camp. In an archival letter to a Carleton Dean, Mrs. Shigemura wrote, “…Frank has often mentioned in his letters about the fair treatment and kindness he received from both the faculty and the students of Carleton College. I cannot find words adequate enough to fully express our thanks.” Carleton developed a scholarship in Shigemura’s name, and named a room in his honor in the Memorial Hall.
A widely respected artist and professor, Hagstrom enjoys creating works that touch on social issues, as well as drawing from nature. In describing the evolution of his artistic interests and goals, Hagstrom believes that “art should be a part of people’s lives, and that it has the power to change the way we view the world.”
Boliou Hall is accessible via Highway 19 in Northfield. For more information on event, including disability accommodations, please contact Patt German in the Carleton College Department of Art and Art History at (507) 222-4341.
