Two World War II-era alumni who were unable to cross the commencement stage due to very different circumstances will participate in this weekend's graduation at the University of Redlands.
One of the alumni was called to military service. The other was given the choice of leaving California or being sent to an internment camp for Japanese-Americans.
"I finally get to wear that cap and gown," said Neal Toshihiro Goya, 83, of Concord. He and Douglas Waide, 81, of Long Beach will join in the processional for the Class of 2002 at a ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 25, in the university's Alumni Greek Theater.
"These two alumni represent much of what we hold particularly dear in light of recent past events: defense of freedom and recognition that all men and women should share in that freedom regardless of race or religion," said President James R. Appleton.
In 1942, the U. S. government gave Goya the choice to leave California or enter a camp. Then-President Elam Anderson contacted several Baptist universities, and Denison University in Ohio accepted Goya for completion of his last semester. He later received his bachelor's degree in zoology from Redlands in 1942 -- through the mail. Goya went on to a career in real estate in Hawaii.
Waide earned a bachelor's degree in education in 1943, then flew DC 3s over Europe as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He returned to California, earned a master's degree from UC Berkeley and went on to a long career as a business professor at Cerritos College.
The university located 10 alumni who couldn't participate in commencement because of the war. Veterans of other wars are being sought for recognition in the future.
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