West LA UMC gives $100,000 for Sano Chair

From left to right:  West LA UMC lay leader Stan Shimotsu, CST student Lynn Onishi, CST alum Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank, associate dean Yuki Schwartz, Bishop Roy I. Sano, CST alum Jeri Okamoto-Tanaka, Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, CST president Bishop Grant Hagiya, and West LA UMC Senior Pastor Rev. Keith Inouye.

CST is deeply honored and grateful to receive a $100,000 gift from the West Los Angeles United Methodist Church for the Bishop Roy I. Sano and Kathy Thomas-Sano Endowed Chair in Asian American Theologies. This gift was presented to CST on Sunday, September 15, 2024 during West LA UMC’s Sunday morning worship service. Several CST faculty members and alums, as well as four UMC bishops were present for the service.

By establishing the Bishop Roy I. Sano and Kathleen A. Thomas-Sano Endowed Chair in Pacific and Asian Theology, CST hopes to achieve the following outcomes:

  • Enable future, clergy, chaplains, and academics to fully understand the unique contribution of Asian Americans to the study of theology.
  • Raise awareness regarding the significant role that AAPI churches play in their communities, even for people who are not Christians.
  • Position Claremont School of Theology at the leading edge for the study of AAPI theology and establish it as a permanent home in the West – where 47% of America’s AAPI people reside — for scholarship and innovation in AAPI Theology.
  • Enhance the synergy that has already existed for 50+ years between Claremont School of Theology and Christian communities, leaders, and scholars all along the Pacific Rim.
  • Formally recognize Bishop Sano’s legacy as a highly respected and admired figure in The United Methodist Church and beyond, enshrine his significant contribution to AAPI Theology, and honor Bishop Sano and Mrs. Thomas-Sano’s unfailing work for the full participation of all people in the life of The United Methodist Church.

To make a gift towards the Sano Chair Endowment Fund, please visit https://cst.edu/give-to-claremont/.