Sumun (Sumi) Pendakur
When Sumi Pendakur first saw the job posting for assistant director of Asian Pacific American Student Services (APASS) in 2004, she told herself, "I'm going to get this."
She did, and was promoted to director in 2007. The organization hasn't been the same since. In her time at APASS, Pendakur has initiated two spring break community service trips: to Manzanar, the former Japanese internment camp in California, and to Hawaii to study the problems surrounding the native Hawaiian population.
"I want to encourage education, engagement and empowerment," she says.
In hopes of creating a more cross-cultural environment at USC, Pendakur teamed up with El Centro Chicano and the Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs (CBCSA) to create Project ReMix, which hosts an event every month to look at the mixed generation and create a space for multiracial and other students to learn and dialogue.
Her passion for higher education was sparked as an undergraduate at Northwestern University, where she became an advocate for the Asian American community. She earned a master's degree in higher education at the University of Michigan before making the move to Los Angeles and USC in 2004 to pursue a doctorate degree in higher education.
In addition to the many responsibilities Pendakur takes on at APASS, she was recently chosen to present her research at a national Student Affairs conference this March. Pendakur will present her research findings on using higher education as a means to achieving an understanding of Asian American students with her brother, who is the director of multicultural affairs at DePaul University.
She also co-chairs the committee for this year's Student Recognition Awards, which are given to students who have displayed exemplary leadership, volunteerism and commitment to the community. The ceremony will take place on May 14.
"Sumi has brought to APASS and to the Student Affairs Division a remarkable combination of high energy — both physical and intellectual — and a true concern for and interest in students and genuine creativity," says Ken Taylor, assistant vice president of cross cultural education and enrichment.
Pendakur says she's proud to be an integral part of USC's division of student affairs where "cooperation and candid dialogue are encouraged."