A respect for learning was the spark that led to the establishment of an Asian studies program at a great university more than 100 years ago.

Dean Lung was a valet for Mayor Horace Walpole Carpentier of Oakland, California, who at one time controlled the Bay Area city's waterfront after he headed west during the Gold Rush.

In fact, the temperamental Carpentier once fired Dean. When Carpentier's house later burned down, Dean went to express his sympathy. Carpentier was so moved that he rehired Dean.