Princeton renames iconic campus archway after WWII-era Japanese student
By Ryan General
September 20, 2023
Princeton University has renamed the iconic Lockhart Hall archway to honor Kentaro Ikeda, a remarkable figure in the institution’s history.
Preserving a legacy: Ikeda, class of 1944, was the sole Japanese student at Princeton during World War II. Ikeda’s story is a testament to resilience and courage at a time when the U.S. grappled with wartime restrictions, including the incarceration of Japanese Americans. The archway, constructed in 1928, now bears his name as a lasting tribute.
Remembering a complex history: While the New Jersey-based Ivy League school protected him during a challenging time, it also acted as his de facto jailer due to wartime restrictions. The university’s decision to rename the archway is seen as an acknowledgment of this history and a step toward building a more inclusive and just institution.
A fitting tribute: Speaking at the dedication ceremony on Sept. 13, Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber emphasized the significance of Ikeda’s story:
“Decades after the war, the U.S. government formally apologized for the treatment of Japanese people during World War II. With this naming, we honor Kentaro’s experience at Princeton during the war and his inspiring persistence in the face of adversity. As future generations of Princetonians traverse our campus, they too will come to know his remarkable story.”
Paying respects: The ceremony saw dozens gather in front of Lockhart Hall, including Ikeda’s widow, Young Yang Chung, who joined university officials in the ribbon cutting. Michele Minter, vice provost for institutional equity and diversity, and Beth Lew-Williams, associate professor of history and chair of the university’s naming committee, were also present to pay their respects.
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