Correspondence

Dear Editor,

Thank you for the splendid article spotlighting two uniquely gifted historians whose lives have touched countless students, teachers, scholars, and ordinary individuals’ lives. The Hatas have dedicated their own professional careers to causes in the past frequently dismissed within the academy; most notably, the recognition of community college historians and history educators as equal partners in professional organizations.

I am a former student of Don Hata’s at CSU Dominguez Hills and later met Nadine when she served as division dean at El Camino College. Both of them have been mentors to me, propelling me into active participation in the profession which I never considered possible when I was a young historian beginning my career teaching Chicano Studies at my southern California community college. However, as I moved into the administrative ranks twelve years ago, I came to recognize what a gifted talent we had in Nadine Hata. I had the profound pleasure of working under her and to be inspired by her vision, creative mind, and commitment to education, her exceptional talent, and dedication to improving our historical profession.

On February 25, 2005 Nadine Hata lost her battle against breast cancer. In her productive career Nadine attained the highest stature as a historian and educator and earned the respect and high regard of scholars and history educators alike. To the last days of her life, she continued to reach out to comfort others and to encourage those who knew her to remain steadfast in our own commitment to educational excellence, scholarly work, and professional service.

The fact that the Hatas chose to include OAH in their estate plans underscores their regard for the organization’s inclusion of community college historians and history educators within the historical profession. In this regard, OAH clearly has been an exemplary leader.