A memorial event will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 18, in Encina Hall, to pay tribute to the life of Walter H. Shorenstein and his legacy to contemporary Asian studies at Stanford University.

Mr. Shorenstein, a prominent San Francisco real estate developer and a long-time supporter of the Democratic Party, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2010, at the age of 95. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) described him as a "man of extraordinary vision, leadership and wisdom." A firm believer in the importance of strong ties between the United States and Asia, Mr. Shorenstein endowed the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (Shorenstein APARC) in his name in 2005. He had been a strong supporter of the center since 1998. Mr. Shorenstein had also been a member of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies Advisory Board or its predecessor organization since 1992.

During the memorial program, faculty, friends, and family will share memories and offer remarks about Mr. Shorenstein's important early and steadfast support of Shorenstein APARC, and his continuing legacy. A reception with light refreshments will follow immediately after the memorial program, during which the short film Citizen Shorenstein will be shown.