UCLA is searching for Japanese-American students from the early 1940s who were forced to interrupt their education when federal orders sent Japanese-Americans to internment camps during World War II.

Following Japan's Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Feb. 19, 1942—68 years ago—signed Executive Order 9066, which led to the imprisonment of 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry.

California university officials estimate about 700 University of California students were affected by the World War II directive, more than 200 of whom attended UCLA. The UC Board of Regents voted last July to suspend its moratorium on honorary degrees to recognize the students forced from UC classrooms.

The California university wants to bestow honorary degrees on these students May 15.

UCLA is encouraging family members and others to help identify UCLA students who were unable to graduate because of internment and is asking that information be sent to Patricia Lippert, associate director of special events and protocol at UCLA: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (310) 794-8604.