12/02/2025
The Asia Society of Oklahoma (A*O) recently hosted its Annual Awards for Excellence and a special dinner celebrating the organization’s 40th anniversary.
Dr. Jizhong Zhou, a world-renowned microbial ecologist from the University of Oklahoma, was honored with an Outstanding Asian American Award.
Dr. Subhash Kak was also honored with an Outstanding Asian American Award for his impactful contributions. A Padma Shri awardee and a distinguished Regents Professor Emeritus in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at OSU, Dr. Kak is widely recognized for his influential work and scholarship.
Saidy Herrera, Multicultural Director at the Oklahoma Historical Society, was recognized with the Outstanding Civic Leader Award.
A*O paid tribute to its roots by honoring Esther Moore, one of the original co-founders of the Asia Society of Oklahoma established in 1985, as well as Dr. Dick Hsieh, another surviving co-founder. Esther Moore also co-founded the Philippine-American Civic Organization of Oklahoma in 1978.
Stephanie Moore, president of the Philippine-American Civic Organization of Oklahoma and treasurer of A*O, received both the Outstanding Individual Member Award and the President’s Choice Award.
The Outstanding Organizational Award was presented to the Philippine American Civic Organization of Oklahoma.
Finally, A*O announced PACO member Marcus Smith as the incoming A*O President, and several student scholarships were also awarded during the evening. A*O continues to raise funds to support these scholarships, in addition to generous community donations. We extend our sincere thanks to Sang Tran for his unwavering support of the scholarship program.
