On May 14, 2011 California's 32nd District Representative Judy Chu honored graduating students and commencement guests with her graduation address.

The University of the West presented her with an honorary Doctoral Degree in Humane Letters. Representative Chu spoke eloquently about her inspiring career as a rising leader who has been eager over many years to defend the rights of all people, particularly Asians and Asian-Americans in the San Gabriel Valley who faced discriminatory practices prior to her efforts to implement laws that guarantee fair policies and procedures.

Her personal story provided a powerful example to UWest graduates to go on in their own lives with a commitment to equal rights for people of all backgrounds. Moreover, her address underscored the importance of the University’s mission: “to facilitate cultural understanding and appreciation between East and West.”