As part of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Asian Languages and Cultures program in the Department of World Languages and Cultures welcomed Dr. Wayne Patterson, Professor Emeritus of History at St. Norbert College, to campus on April 21 for a guest lecture titled “The Little-Known Story of Korean Immigration to America (1900–1924).” The event drew a large audience of students, faculty, and staff interested in deepening their understanding of the historical experiences of Korean immigrants in the early 20th century. The lecture was offered in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend either in person or virtually, making the event accessible to a broader audience.

Dr. Leslie Wilson, Associate Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, opened the event with a warm introduction, highlighting Dr. Patterson’s extensive scholarship in the field of Korean immigration history and his contributions to Asian American studies.

In his lecture, Dr. Patterson shed light on a lesser-known chapter of U.S. immigration history—the story of the first major wave of Korean immigrants who arrived between 1900 and 1924. He detailed the experiences and challenges of these immigrants, including the story of “picture brides”—women who were married to immigrant men in the United States (especially in Hawaii and on the West Coast) through arranged marriages facilitated by the exchange of photographs. His talk provided valuable context to the broader history of Asian Americans in the United States.

The successful execution of this insightful event was made possible largely through the generous support of the ASIANetwork Speakers Bureau Grant. This funding enabled the Asian Languages and Cultures program to bring an expert like Dr. Patterson to campus, enriching the academic and cultural life of the university community and fostering a deeper appreciation for AAPI heritage.