SAVE THE DATE | MAY 7, 2026
6:00pm
University of California, Merced

As part of the Food for Thought Speaker Series and AAPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander) Heritage Month, UC Merced is honored to welcome acclaimed author and cultural historian Jeff Chang @zentronix to UC Merced @ucmerced

Jeff is the author of Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America, exploring the life, legacy, and cultural impact of Bruce Lee.

A graduate of both University of California, Berkeley and University of California, Los Angeles, Jeff’s visit feels especially meaningful here in the UC system.

This event continues the conversation we began during last year’s visit with Shannon Lee, bringing deeper insight into Bruce Lee’s legacy and influence.

For the networking reception, we’ll be featuring dishes inspired by the story, including one of Bruce Lee’s favorite recipes and selections from Chef Tu David Phu’s @cheftudavidphu cookbook The Memory of Taste, honoring his role as our very first guest speaker in the series, before it was even called Food for Thought.

Added bonus: We’ll be hosting a book raffle for copies of Water Mirror Echo. Don’t miss your chance to take one home!

Special thanks to UC Merced Equity, Justice, and Inclusive Excellence @ucm_ejie for sponsoring this event and helping bring these important voices to campus.

Stay tuned for more details, including RSVP info.