Seoul Foreign School Operating an Early Years Program at the NAMSAN INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN
55 Yonhi-dong, Seoul 120-823, KOREA TEL: 822-330-3100 FAX: 822-335-1857 www.seoulforeign.org
Message from the School Board Chair
Page 4
Message from the Head of School
Page 5
The Annual Fund Update
Pages 6-7
Faculty Profile - Nick Corben
Page 8
University Acceptances
Page 9
SFS Theater
Pages 10-11
Alumni Reunions
Pages 12-17
Alumni Profile - Roger Kim
Pages 18-19
Alumni Notes
Pages 20-23
Alumni Visits
Pages 24-25
In Memoriam
Page 25
Sponsor Pages
Pages 26-27
Faculty Farewell
Page 28
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Spring has finally come to Seoul and it was worth the wait. In the last few weeks it has been such a treat to see the rivers of white and pink flowing down Ansan Mountain. We are so fortunate to have our School positioned in a place of such natural beauty. You may recall that the School Board, working with the school’s Senior Administrative team, rolled-out a 5-year Strategic Plan in October 2011. One of the goals of that plan was to establish mechanisms for long-range physical and financial planning thus enriching Seoul Foreign School’s position as one of the best schools in Korea and the region. An outcome of that goal is the creation of a 15-year Facilities Master Plan. At the writing of this letter the final touches to that Plan are being put in place. Our lead architects, ENNEAD have
worked with the School over the last year to create a Master Plan that not only incorporates leading pedagogical philosophies in planning and constructing educational facilities but also takes advantage of SFS’s beautiful hillside location – a location that differentiates us from all other foreign schools in Seoul. The plan incorporates a clear path towards new facilities for our High School, British School and Middle School while incorporating the natural surroundings of Ansan Mountain and bringing nature to our students. We are excited to share this Plan with the SFS Community in the near future; we believe you will be as excited about it as we are! You may have also seen or heard about another exciting event at SFS, recently taking over the operations of the Namsan International Kindergarten (NIK). The operation of this new division is another initiative stemming
“We are so fortunate to have our School positioned in a place of such natural beauty. ”
from the Strategic Plan. The NIK opening in August, under SFS management, will be focused on early childhood education and, together with the program on the Main Campus, will make SFS more accessible to foreign families, particularly to those with young children living in the Itaewon and Hanamdong areas. As with our Main Campus, NIK is unique with its eco-friendly setting and will bring nature to our youngest students. Through these and other initiatives we continue to work towards creating and maintaining the best facilities and delivering a world class education thus allowing us to continue to attract the best students, faculty and administration. This is a very exciting time for the school as we position ourselves for the next 100 years of excellence! In the coming months, you will be hearing about ways you can be involved in turning this exciting vision into a reality for our community by being involved in the upcoming Capital Campaign. As always, I continue to be excited by the great things happening at Seoul Foreign School and am thankful to be a part of a great leadership team that helps SFS realize its Mission and Vision.
Kelly TomHon Kelly TomHon and her family 4
SFS School Board Chair
Dear SFS Alumni and Friends, Greetings from SFS in the spring! I am so happy to write that after a long winter, we are seeing the Dogwoods, Forsythia and Cherry blossoms in full bloom all over the campus. As you may remember, this is such a beautiful place in the springtime. A couple of weeks ago, we hosted the ENNEAD Architectural group, with whom we have been working for almost a full year. They have been contracted to help us develop a campus master plan for our site, which will serve us for the next 15-20 years. They will be presenting their final recommendations to our Master Planning Task Force. As you probably know, we are in need of replacing our High School building (circa 1972), our British School building (circa 1980) and our Middle School building (circa 1985). Along with these major changes, will come a number of other improvements including the construction of some new faculty residences on campus. This is a “tall order” of course, but necessary for the sustainability of our School as a leading International school, serving children of the global community here in Seoul. Our new facilities will provide space for new programs such as Design Technology, Robotics and Environmental Science. It will also provide new options needed for class presentations, collaboration and community space, all which are needed as we plan for the future. Seoul Foreign School has been diligent in providing financial support for capital investment in past years, and
our “Plant Fund” resources will be needed for this project. But because of the scope of this project, we will need to rely on other funding as well. Therefore, we will soon be undertaking a Capital Campaign, designed to help us generate funding for this new project. We are excited for this undertaking to begin as we move ahead in our planning. We will need your help so please be watching for this opportunity to invest in the legacy of SFS.
When I asked him why he did this, he immediately referenced his experience at SFS, serving a local orphanage while a student. His vision for service and financial support began as a student and has not changed since. Both he and his wife spoke about their Christian faith which had developed and grown while they were SFS students. I love to hear stories of the transformational experiences of our students. We should all be encouraged that in the midst of all the challenges of In my role, one of the most enjoyable an SFS education, God continues to moments is to meet with alumni and work, changing lives to build the parents. One such opportunity happened Kingdom. last week. June Kang, our Director of Development & Communications, and I Warmly, had lunch with a couple, both of whom are alumni. He is a successful intellectual property lawyer, while his wife works in marketing, with a special focus in “rebranding.” As we visited John Engstrom over lunch, he spoke extensively about Head of School his involvement in local charities, especially one particular orphanage. 5
ANNUAL FUND DONATION 2009-10
ANNUAL FUND DONATION 2010-11
CENTENNIAL FUND DONATION 2011-12
THE MILLENNIUM CLUB Do Yoon Kim Heather and Sunny Yi
THE MILLENNIUM CLUB Do Yoon Kim
THE MILLENNIUM CLUB Jeremy & Hojung Cheung (Parents of Nathan & Eunice Cheung) Christy Joo Eric Joo Do Yoon Kim Kathleen and Rachel Lee Helena and Isabelle Park Yong Sung Park The Shin Family
RED AND BLACK CLUB Anonymous Chul Ho Chang Timothy Cho
RED AND BLACK CLUB Kay Song (BT&I) The Kwun Family John C. O’Donnell The Shin Family THE CREST CLUB Hongchul and Yasmeen Bae Christian and Benjamin Choi James and Julie Danahy John and Alice Engstrom James and Sarah Hubbard Gunberg Celine Jin Ji Yong Lee Tracy and Tim Mohr The SFS Classified Staff Shou Liang Wang Yonhee Badminton Club CENTENNIAL CLUB Anonymous Kevin, Dee and Baker Family Andrew Byun Eunhi Cho Hyun Sook Hong Warren and Robin Hudson Carol LaCroix Andy and Joanna Lee Young Sun Lee Amy Lindholm Elizabeth Lloyd Patrick O’Malley Pete and Judy Penick Elise K. Prosser Langston and Linda Rogde Harry G. Rudolph Peter and Kelly TomHon THE LEGACY CLUB Anonymous Jeff and Barbara Benson Tony and Margaret Curran Caroline Hahn Yoo Soo Kim Insil Tahk Yoojin Um Buhm Jin Yoon Youngja Yum
THE CREST CLUB Leo Cho Christian and Benjamin Choi Shirley Droese John and Alice Engstrom Josh, Ben and Jacob Everett SeungChul Peter Hyun Rachel Lee Tzu Yu Sheng CENTENNIAL CLUB Andrew Byun Rebecca Dignan The Heller Family Carol LaCroix Alice Lavina Harrison Lee David Livingston Harry, Linda and George Rudolph Heidi Stallings Michael Stern Peter and Kelly TomHon St. Mark’s Lutheran School
“As a former SFS student, I feel incredibly lucky to now have my children at the school. I’ve always felt that SFS was the most amazing place, and now it’s even bigger and better. Contributing to the Annual Fund allows me to show my support and appreciation of the entire SFS community.” -Andrea (Park) Ahn ’89*
RED AND BLACK CLUB In memory of Edwin W. Crowe ’43* For our SFS children and in honor of our parents, Richard and Patricia Ashcraft and Ed and Thelma Gaylord from John and Lynn Gaylord John and Masumi O’Donnell ’70 Tzu Yu Sheng THE CREST CLUB Jinsoo and Pearl Bae Yasmeen Bae Robert and Sondra Black In honor of the MS Faculty 2011-12 from your student, Andrew Ilhoon Byun Dong Soo Byun From the Cho Family - Paul, Jiyeon, Christopher and Natalie Christian and Benjamin Choi Noah Tae-sun Chung ’95 John and Alice Engstrom Josh, Ben and Jacob Everett Rebecca Freeman Kathleen and Timothy Gray Hana Bank—Yonhi-dong Branch Hyong Min Kim Hyong Seok Kim Nina H. Kim and Peter S. Choi George Dongkyu Ko Camila and Gabriela Gonzalez Koo James and Sarah (Hubbard) Gunberg ’71 Celine Jin J&J Catering Stephan Min Jason Oh Hyungji Park ’85 Jasmine, Iris and James J. Park In memory of Christopher Mark Thomas, loving uncle of Edward Joseph Pasternak Langston and Linda Rogde Peter and Kelly TomHon Buhm Jin Yoon CENTENNIAL CLUB Jaime Cabal Anna Castagnaro
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Donald N. Clark '61 Lydia Colston Killough '81 Dan & Joneen Copeland Nick, Sally, Isobel and Estella Corben Drs. JB and Bette Crouse, Jr. Patricia Robin Evans In honor of Mr. John Gaylord, from your SFS Children of our Centennial Year Chloe Dain Han Christine Jane Han Youngsook Hahm Hyun Sook Hong Ryan Jeon Jeen and Bomsinae Kim Yoo Soo Kim John Kimm ‘84 Korea Exchange Bank – Yonhi-dong Branch Jennifer Koenig ’92* Grace and Riley Kwak Family Andy and Joanna Lee Chang Hwan Lee Haeeun Heather Lee ’05 Jaehyun Jacob Lee The Jugant Family In honor of Mrs. Mary Ellen Lee, from your 1L children of our Centennial Year Robert Lee ’60* David Livingston ’72* Monika and Ewa Marczuk In honor of Ms. Dawn Melarvie, from your SFS children of our Centennial Year In honor of Mrs. Edie Moon from the HS cast of ‘Back to the 80s’ Mitsuaki Morita ’79* John C. O’Donnell ‘70 Maura O’Donnell-McCarthy ’75* Gene Jaewoo Park Harry, Linda & George Rudolph ‘07 In Memory of Robert G. Sauer, Former Trustee & Teacher Frank Shyn ’87* Yage Song Yarene Song Hannah Summers Kai Summers Linda Wang Judi Sargent Whitmire ’78 Sen Di Ten Yoojin Um In honor of Mr. Nathan Walker from the MS cast of ‘Oliver Twist’ Morgan and Jordan Yi Youngja Yum THE LEGACY CLUB Lance, Mary, Ethan, Mason and Porter Ence Kisoon Nam Misty Skidmore
The Heritage Club $ 100,000 +
1912 Society $ 50,000 +
The Crest Club $ 1,000 +
Centennial Club $ 100 +
ANNUAL FUND DONATION 2012-13 THE MILLENNIUM CLUB Do Yoon Kim Tzu Yu Sheng RED AND BLACK CLUB Jaeho and Soojin Choi Jane Nicole Lee THE CREST CLUB Hyung & Andrea Ahn Anonymous Yasmeen Bae Robert and Sondra Black Leo Cho From the Cho Family—Paul, Jiyeon, Christopher and Natalie Christian and Benjamin Choi The Kimberly Clark Foundation John and Alice Engstrom Rob and Laura Everett James and Sarah (Hubbard) Gunberg ‘71 Haelyung Hwang & Younghee Cha Seogoo Lee & Suyoung Nam The Lim Family Jasmine, Iris & James J. Park Sookook Company Peter & Kelly TomHon CENTENNIAL CLUB Christina Farley Mr. & Mrs. Brian Hunsaker Mike & Lauren Jackson George Dongkyu Ko Alice D. Lavina Jack and Rachel Shao Frank Shyn ’87* Yoojin Um James S. Weaver, Jr. Family Fund Rick Wilson
It has been very exciting to lead
“We are happy to give to the Annual efforts for the Communications and Fund, as we know our gift will Development office over these ten contribute to the continued growth school years. My office has continued and development of SFS. We feel to face new tasks and challenges. This blessed to have our child be a part of year, marketing has become a new such a special school, with its unique and additional area of focus for my history, support to the Christian office and the School. It has opened mission, and rich learning up a breadth of opportunities to environment.” ensure that we are raising the profile -Parents of ES student, 2013 and visibility of SFS within our growing, broad, international community in Korea. the School in many powerful ways not limited to the Annual Fund. It has been a wonderful experience working with our Marketing The following, taken from the book, Coordinator, Mrs. Sheree Kent, who Do More Than Give further has taken charge of creating the many highlights this: promotional materials you would “…donors who define the act of have seen on our school website, giving…to nonprofits, and…focus our official SFS facebook page, and through other ads. We will continue to their time or the time of a inform our community about the rich foundation’s trustees, staff, and board on highly leveraged, history of excellence in education, cross-sector activities… an effect that unique to Seoul Foreign School. is much greater than the sum of its parts…These catalytic donors punch Our Annual Fund witnessed its greatest levels of support throughout above their weight.” the past Centennial Year. However, With thanks for another wonderful as we’ve begun a new era and beginning to a new era! century, we have continued to witness both new and returning donors and feel greatly blessed for their support. While most annual funds may be measured by the total amount of donations collected, we do June Kang believe that at SFS, members of our Director of Communications parent, alumni and facultycommunity, support and contribute to and Development
The Millennium Club $ 10,000 +
Red & Black Club $ 5,000 +
The Legacy Club Any amount given by friends and relatives
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and raised over $10,000 to help with our medical expenses. One of the best things for me as a long standing teacher at this school is being able to see how the students from my classes have moved on, grown up and continued to display their many talents at school whether it be in their academics, on the field, court or stage.
Nick with one of his students in class
Wow! The last nine years of my life at Seoul Foreign School have gone by so quickly. What a joy and privilege it has been to be a teacher here and for my family and for me to learn, grow and play together. My wife, Sally, (The British School Art Teacher) and I began working in Cheshire, England way back in 1998 before moving to our first overseas school in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2001. As it is one of the world’s hottest capital cities, we had beautiful blue skies and fluffy white clouds almost everyday. Those tranquil times sadly ended when we were caught up in the Al Qaeda attacks in 2003 and had to leave the country under ‘force majeure.’ Like many other teachers we returned for one final year to help rebuild, stabilize and grow the school’s enrollment.
SFS is a unique place to live and work. The strong community of teachers, students, parents, GA staff and administrators is fantastic. I thoroughly enjoy working at the British School. Every year I am challenged with amazingly talented and hardworking students and the opportunity to learn and develop as a professional myself.
Over the years my family and I have grown to love SFS. We appreciate the effort and dedication shown by everyone to make the school the best place it can be. The strength of the community was really So onto Korea in 2004 and, it is true, to a demonstrated to Sally country still technically at war! After our and me when our eldest experiences in Saudi, we needed a daughter, Isobel, was change and decided to come to SFS, after diagnosed with profound some friends expressed how great it was. hearing loss in 2012. The They weren't wrong! teachers ‘clubbed together’ 8
Unlike many transient expatriate families who move countries frequently, I would find it a very difficult task to leave and find another school that matches up to SFS’s amazing standards and the “family-like’ community. So I look forward to further developing our relationship together for the foreseeable future.
Nick with his wife Sally (BS Art Teacher) and daughters Isobel and Estella
Congratulations and Best Wishes to the Class of 2013! Working with this year’s group of seniors has been extraordinarily meaningful. Beginning with the class retreat shortly after school started last August, it was apparent that they were a sentimental group who enjoyed spending time with each other. The senior class trip to Yongpyong in January was another special time for bonding and sharing many good memories together. Throughout the year, they supported and cheered each other on at Field Day (which they won!), sporting events, fine and performing arts programs, as they finished their IB Extended Essays and college applications, and so much more. These young men and women have prepared a solid foundation upon which to continue to build after they leave SFS. The following is a list of their “post-SFS plans” for next year. To the Class of 2013: Thanks for the positive leadership you have exhibited this year. Know that you will be missed, and please keep in touch. God bless!
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Allegheny College Biola University Boston College Brigham Young University Calvin College Carnegie Mellon University (2) Duke University Eckerd College Emory University Gap Year (4) George Mason University George Washington University Georgia Institute of Technology Georgetown University (2) Indiana State University Johns Hopkins University Kalamazoo College Lancaster University Liberty University McGill University Middlebury College (2) Milligan College New York University Newcastle University Northeastern University Northwestern University Ohio State University Oxford College of Emory University Parsons The New School for Design (2) Penn State University-Harrisburg Penn State University-University Park (2) Princeton University Purdue University Queen’s University Rice University (2) Rutgers University-Camden Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Saint Mary’s College (IN) Simon Fraser University Smith College (2) Stony Brook University Trinity College (CT) Tufts University Underwood International College, Yonsei (2) University in Australia University in Canada University in Japan 7 University in Korea (4) University in the Netherlands University in the U.K. (2) University in the U.S. University of British Columbia-Okanagan University of California-Davis University of California-Irvine University of California-Los Angeles (3) University of California-Riverside University of California-San 10Diego University of Chicago (2) University of Dayton University of Edinburgh University of Florida University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign (4) University of Leicester University of Massachusetts-Amherst University of Michigan University of Northern Iowa University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania (2) University of Rochester University of Southern California (3) University of Toronto University of Washington (2) Wake Forest University
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“I believe arts education in music, theater, dance, and the visual arts is one of the most creative ways we have to find the gold that is buried just beneath the surface. They (children) have an enthusiasm for life a spark of creativity, and vivid imaginations that need training – training that prepares them to become confident young men and women.”
– Richard W. Riley, Former US Secretary of Education HS students performing at the APAC Theater Festival In March, over 60 students from the middle school brought the classic 1980’s describe Seoul Foreign School in one musical Fame to life on the stage of the word. The most common word shared Lyso Center. With a set designed by IB was the word community. This was no Theatre student, senior Sarah Kim, the surprise to me as I see how significantly cast danced and sang their way into our the arts program at SFS is impacted by hearts in an inspiring tribute to this the involvement of community renowned musical. The dancing was members. This past year of performances also a fitting tribute to one of our is surely a tribute to our students but it beloved choreographers who will be is also a tribute to parents, teachers, staff moving back to the US next year, members, and administrators who Ms. Hillary Marshall. We are truly volunteer on a regular basis and gave so freely of their time in order to enhance our arts programs!
Recently, the faculty was asked to
grateful to her for three years of sharing the gift of dance with our fine arts department. April brought us the beautiful voices of the British School Key Stage One students. They explored the world of Pirates by showing us what it means to be a true Pirate! Students ages 4-7 danced, sang and acted through the story of the little stowaway pirate who longed to be a “real” pirate!
This past February, students from six schools around Asia joined together to participate in an APAC Theater Festival. With the theme, Transfomations, and a focus on physical theater, they were able to experience the worlds of Kathakali theater with expert Fenella Kelly, Butoh theater with artist and performer Mark Hill, and Korean T’alchum with a man who is considered to be one of Korea’s top experts in the masked dance form of Bongsan T’alchum. The result was an evening of sharing where students performed their respective art forms for the SFS community. 10
BS KS1 students in Pirates
Just one week later, over 80 high school students took us back to the 1950s by reviving the beloved Broadway Hit, The Pajama Game. Some of the highlights of the play have been posted on the SFS Youtube channel. According to our SFS Marketing Coordinator, Mrs. Sheree Kent, “We’re developing an archive of our shows on our new school channel ‘seoulforeignschool4u’, but please know that both the school Youtube and Facebook are accessible via our website homepage,(the icons are on the bottom right of the page). If you haven't already, please subscribe to the channel for regular updates and LIKE the Facebook page.”
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. As part of their curricular work, the 4th graders are not only studying the text, but learning how to bring the text to life on stage through their production.
Again, at the heart of all of these performances is the SFS community of students, parents, staff, administration and teachers. Throughout this year, so many This particular high school performance individuals have taken was dedicated to our beloved high time out of their school English teacher Mrs. Jo Wilcox schedules to paint, sew, who has helped bring beautiful costumes cook, build, collect, or to the stage for all the high school dream our performances performances over the past three years. to life. We are truly We will miss her joy, positive energy blessed and grateful to and creative force! them for their commitment to As we enter the month of May, we are supporting the arts at anticipating the 4th grade production Seoul Foreign School. of C.S. Lewis’ beloved
MS students performing Fame
The arts are not a frill. The arts are a response to our individuality and our nature, and help to shape our identity. What is there that can transcend deep difference and stubborn divisions? The arts. They have a wonderful universality. Art has the potential to unify. It can speak in many languages without a translator. The arts do not discriminate. The arts can lift us up."
–Former Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan The HS production of the Pajama Games
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Twenty-six alumni, former teachers, Administrators together with the members of the Friends of Seoul Foreign School (FSFS) gathered at the Woori Village Korean Restaurant sharing great memories from SFS, some SFS Trivia games, along with delicious Korean food. These are some of the stories that were shared during the dinner. Martha VAN LIEROP VALESEK ’73* Marti was the first to arrive at the reunion, making this her third Chicago reunion attended. Her sister Eleanor VAN LIEROP WARRINGTON ’69 and brother Ben VAN LIEROP ’65* were also able to join the gathering. While Marti did not graduate from SFS, she received most of her education at the School. The Van Lierop parents were missionaries for 30 years. Scott PICOU ’73* Scott recalled his days at SFS as being within an environment of staff and people who were always most friendly. He fondly recalled being a part of the Mid-Summer Night’s Dream production and felt that his experiences at SFS were one of the best chapters in his life. Gail RIGGS MEYER ’70* Gail’s parents came to Korea in 1956. She shared memories about having school field trips to old ‘battlefields.’ As there were no school buses during her school days, she recalled travelling to school in Land Rovers instead. She felt that SFS gave students an incredibly diverse opportunity of experiences through the arts, sports, and so many other wonderful programs. Gail came in the company of her son, Andrew MEYER and his fiancé, Sara, to be married in April this year. Sara graduated from Wheaton College and is currently a HS Teacher. Although Andrew only attended his final year at 12
SFS, he expressed that it gave him the opportunity to relive some of the special experiences he had always heard about from his mom, growing up. Thawivann LAMOUTH SPALDING ‘81*
Thawivann had missed the alumni reunion invites and was informed by Kelly RIEMER CUSICK ’81*, who was not in attendance, but had created the Centennial Tribute Video: (www.youtube.com/watch?=zzdTi_BgzBw).
Thawivann appears in this video and shares her life-changing experiences in 1971 and 1976. “I really love Seoul Foreign School as this is where I had my first exposure to Jesus Christ, which is also my fondest memory.” Thawivann, originally from Cambodia, was introduced to the Bible by Mr. Stanley, FT who helped introduce Thawivann to ‘a loving God.’ Min Dong CHANG ’95 Min Dong shared a brief and extraordinary story about his origin and how he arrived at SFS not knowing a word of English, but rather, only German, his first language. He attended SFS from 1987 until graduation in 1995. His wife, Esther, recalled how walking up the huge hill at the entrance of the school was a reminder of how ‘out-ofshape’ she was. The couple visited SFS last September, but decided to go the extra mile to join the Chicago Reunion. Laura UNDERWOOD ’90 & Sarah UNDERWOORD ’91 Both sisters intrigued the alumni crowd, bringing with them their Underwood name and sharing their stories. Sarah had attended SFS from kindergarten to graduation. Laura explained that Richard UNDERWOOD, Former Head of School is her great uncle. Her parents Nancy and HH UNDERWOOD are both retired and enjoying life by the lake in South Carolina.
Ruth Richter, Former Faculty & Ron Richter, Former Administrator While both Richters were in Chicago to attend the annual Friends of Seoul Foreign School meeting, only Ruth was able to attend the gathering. Ruth shared some experiences during her time at SFS, recalling some moments of her two children during school. Ruth made a special effort to reach out to a number of alumni in the region to participate in the gathering. We were especially thankful for Ruth’s help in bringing together such a wonderful group of alumni that evening. John LEE ’84 John recently joined the Friends of Seoul Foreign School Board and was able to participate in the Chicago reunion, coming all the way from San Jose. He made a special mention about his mother, who also once taught at SFS as a math teacher, and whom everyone then knew as Mrs. Lee. John has two sisters, Hera LEE ’77 and Hemi LEE ’85. Christina LIM CHUNG ’90 Another returning member of the Chicago reunion, Christina, shared an embarrassing moment during her time at SFS, with particular reference to her auditioning for a role in the Captions: 1. Thawivann LAMOUTH SPALDING 81* 2. Jim & Eleanor VAN LIEROP WARRINGTON ’69 3. Martha VAN LIEROP VALESEK ’73* & Ben VAN LIEROP ’65* 4. Bruce & Marty FENS, Former Teachers 5. Min Dong CHANG ’95 and his wife Esther. 6. Dr. John ENGSTROM, Head of School & Harold BENJAMIN ’51* 7. Christina LIM CHUNG ’90, Sarah UNDERWOOD ’91 & Laura UNDERWOOD ’90 8. Group Picture of everyone gathered at the Chicago reunion.
Sound of Music. She recalled how challenging it had been for her to sing, and that when she finally got a singing part, it ended up getting cut out of the show. Jim RATHBUN ‘80 Jim made a special trip to be a part of the reunion, accompanied by some family members : Kimberly, Pearl, Karen and George. He recalled fainting in 3rd grade when a fire had started in the Robb Hall. He also recalled having been a part of the Tempest, in the role of Antonio. Jim was
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also an athlete and took part in basketball during 1979 and 1980, when SFS was undefeated. Jim went to Wheaton College and became a math teacher. He also attended a missionary school in Venezuela. Harlan LYSO, Former Head of School Harlan may no longer be running a school, but he is nonetheless busy in his many roles: he is currently the Treasurer for the Friends of Seoul Foreign School Board, the Chair of the ACS WASC Commission and a search consultant for
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ISS. He shared an interesting story about a time when the daughters of the Iranian Ambassador and Israeli Ambassador were in one class together. He pointed to the fact that their interactions within the settings of Seoul Foreign School would have challenged them to harbor any stereotypical perspectives. His story captured the unique environment of inclusivity that is celebrated at SFS to this day.
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Kurt LAHEY, HS IB Economics and Business Teacher
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While over 25 alumni signed up for the event, 17 were able to join the reunion in New York. Here are some of the stories that were shared during dinner. John O’ DONNELL ’70 and his wife, Masumi joined the reunion in New York. Both had attended the third week of the Centennial Celebrations last year, the first visit to SFS for Masumi. She remarked that she “...had a wonderful time and ... that the school was very well-organized and well-run. I got to really feel the spirit of SFS.” John continues to be an annual sponsor for the International Business Person of the Year Award for HS senior recipients. John and Masumi run the One Thousand Bears Project (www.onethousandbears.com) which aims to raise money for charities by selling limited-edition fine art photographic prints of teddy bears. Margaret MCCANN SMITH ’75* attended SFS from 1970– 1973 and left during her junior year to Singapore for the rest of her schooling. Her 4 siblings also attended SFS. Her fondest memories of SFS were the ‘winter carnivals,’ where each class would construct a booth. “Students could make a booth of their choice, like a kissing booth or a sponge-toss among many others, all to raise funds for the School”. Julian HAHM ’98 attended SFS from grade 1 to 12 and shared fond memories of the RADER, KEARNEY and the MOON families. Jennifer CHA ’02, currently a Class Representative, played a significant role in gathering alumni for a number of reunions hosted jointly among some
of her former classmates. Reunions were hosted in both New York and Seoul. In addition, Jennifer attended the recent NY reunion hosted by the School. Carol LEE ’98* attended SFS until the end of 9grade and commented, “…I still keep in touch with my classmates and have really great memories of times spent at SFS.” Sung Joon CHO ’00 recently visited the SFS campus. “All the kids looked so happy.” Sung Joon continues to keep in touch with his classmates and has wonderful memories of his time at SFS. Jeffrey CHANG ’98 went to SFS from grades 7 through HS. Jeff shared fond memories of the school and commented that he cannot ever forget his tennis coach and mentor, Mr. Moon, who would always instruct him to “…set your feet and then hit the ball.” Great memories of Discovery Week, seeing Mother Theresa and also his trip to Japan during his SFS days were shared. Jeff met his wife through a common SFS network of friends, where close friends already knew his wife, Cathy SUH. Cathy also joined the reunion and commented that “... the SFS community is really tight, like a family.” Daniel MOON ’96 attended SFS from 1992-1996. He had originally enrolled at SIS but was urged by a close family friend to change his enrollment to SFS. “You definitely form these very strong bonds with friends you’ve made at SFS.” He shared a funny story of having actually painted the school jersey on his bare chest, while emceeing a sports event. “People didn’t notice that it was actually painted on!” Daniel felt that SFS really provided him with a well-rounded education.
Jason KIM ’98* attended the school from grade 8. He is currently an investment manager at Goldman Sachs. He shared how challenging it was to arrive at SFS in grade 8, and that he was thankful to his friends for having made his transition so much better. Loretta CHON ’94 held nothing back when she commented how much she loved SFS. She shared that many people are shocked when they hear that she still continues to be in touch with the life-long bonds she had formed at SFS. She shared fond memories of sports trips and gravel fields. David RHA ’92 recently stepped up to become a Class Representative. He joined the NY reunion with his wife, Megan. David recalled some peculiar memories of having had to ‘share sports uniforms with the girls basketball teams.’ “Guys used to have to wear the cheerleaders’ clothes to get the games started!” He commented how his experiences at SFS went beyond that of the academics, and that the day -to- day experiences, along with all the things that happened outside the classroom, added to the wonderful opportunities each student received at SFS. David and Megan have been married for 18 years and have 3 children. Megan commented how wonderful it is to know of SFS through David and wished that her children could have had the opportunity to attend the school. They both expressed their appreciation of the school for providing such a wonderful Christian environment for international students. Louanne NORRIS SMITH ’48* provided a beautiful write-up of her memory in the SFS Centennial Book in the Alumni Memories section. She began in the 1st grade at SFS in 1936 but had to leave in 1940, during 5th grade. 4
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8 Captions: 1. Everyone enjoying the SFS Trivia games 2. Sung Joon CHO ’00, Jeffrey CHANG ’98 & his wife Cathy SUH 3. Margaret MCCAINE SMITH ’75* & Louanne NORRIES SMITH ’48*
7 4. Dr. John ENGSTROM with Alumni 5. John O’DONNELL ’70 and his wife Masumi 6. David RHA ’92 and his wife Megan 7. Daniel MOON ’96, Tina KIM ’94* and Loretta CHON ’94 8. Group Picture of everyone gathered at the New York reunion 15
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Twenty alumni gathered at the Seoul Garden Korean restaurant to reconnect and reminisce about old school days at SFS, play SFS trivia, and enjoy some great Korean food. Esther GWEON ’03 had fond memories of having managed the sports teams with Mr. RADER. Esther currently works for a marketing firm for VISA. She won an alumni t-shirt for being the most recent graduate among the alumni gathered. Heejin KIM ’99* attended SFS from 2nd grade to the 8th grade. She recalled the ‘lunch chits’ that SFS had during her time there and how an ice cream cone was only 500 won. She joined the reunion along with her boyfriend
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8 Matt GREGORY. Heejin’s focus and interest is in 3D animation/visual effects and is hoping to work in the film industry. William BENJAMIN ’58* attended SFS from 4th grade in 1949 until graduation in 1958. “It was a much smaller school during my time. I always felt a bit over-shadowed by my brother Harold’s memories. The entire school had a total of about only 50-60 students!” He recalled there being only about 9 students in his 4th grade class. He also reflected on how much fun it was for the kids to play inside the buildings as he recalled trapped doors and tunnels underneath the school. William is currently retired, having worked at United Airlines for 23 years.
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Captions: 1. John MINCEY ’63 and his wife Frances 2. Heejin KIM ’99* and her boyfriend MATT GREGORY 3. Esther GWEON ’03, Blair LEE, Asst. Head of School & Leila KNOX ’91* 4. John KIM ’71*, Anna LEE ’71, Dr. John ENGSTROM, Head of School and William BENJAMIN ’58* 5. John KIM ’71* 6. Everyone enjoying the SFS Trivia games 7. John LEE ’84 with the Google ‘hangout’ connection 8. Lisa MILLER GOLDMAN ’71* and her husband Howard GOLDMAN 9. Daniel KIM ’87, Sue Hee SUNG ’85, and John LEE ’84
Anna Lee ’71 joined the reunion (thanks to encouragement from John Kim ’71*) all the way from LA. Anna recalled wonderful memories of her time at SFS. She remembered a bakery called the ‘House of Eden’ and the delicious cinnamon rolls they made. She expressed how heart-warming it was to be able to gather with alumni and hopes that the annual reunions will continue. John KIM ’71*, joined by his wife Kimberley KIM, helped to gather a number of his former classmates and alumni for several gatherings hosted by the school. John had originally attended the Sacred Heart School before arriving at SFS. Anna Lee commented that John’s nickname during school was ‘mouse’ because of his mouse-like swift moves in sports. John is currently a CPA. Lisa MILLER GOLDMAN ’71 attended SFS from 9th grade throughout HS. She commented that the Vietnam war, among many other historical events had occurred while she was a student at SFS. She also reflected back to her experiences with a teacher, Mrs. ROBB, who would “…ask the girls to kneel-down on the floor in front of her to see if the skirts touched the floor.” In 10th grade, the cheerleaders had made a bold leap forward in receiving permission to shorten their uniform skirts. Lisa currently owns a management consulting firm. Amazingly, Lisa and her husband Howard, who also joined the gathering, learned that they had been neighbors with John MINCEY ’63 and his wife Frances, since 1989. Prior to this, they had no idea that either of them had any affiliation to SFS!
John MINCEY ’63 recalled how there were only five students in his class and how both the Junior and Senior classes would go on trips together to places such as monasteries in Land Rovers. John had also attended the Christian Academy in Japan for some time. He remembered the times that SFS had very limited heating in the classrooms and how students had to gather around coal stoves to keep warm. John just recently sold his corporation after having operated it for 21 years. The company creates special equipment for cosmetic surgery. John joined the reunion with his wife, Frances. Leila KNOX ’91 currently practices media law and was encouraged to join the reunion by Rana CHO ’91 who has been very helpful in gathering alumni for SFS reunions. Leila recalled having lots of fun memories about the school and even remembered a time when some students tried to duplicate false lunch chits!
Daniel KIM ’87 was more than confident in declaring, “…the class of 87 was by far the best class SFS ever had!” He is currently married with 3 children, working for the reputable bag company called Timbuk2. John LEE ’84 not only attended the San Francisco reunion but also attended the Chicago reunion on January 31st, and is currently serving as a board member for the Friends of Seoul Foreign School. John shared some stories of his mom Mrs. Soonja LEE when she was a math teacher at SFS. John currently has a software firm in the Silicone Valley. We were very fortunate to benefit from his IT expertise as he got a Google ‘hangout’ connection prepared so that a number of alumni from other parts of the world could also join in and be a part of the reunion. John currently lives in San Jose.
Rana CHO ’91 had helped to encourage a number of alumni to attend reunions that were hosted in the past. She also visited SFS in the fall of 2010. Kimble COOK ’83 joined the reunion and spoke about his twenty SFS friends whom he continues to keep in touch with. He recalled the days when he would walk across the rice-paddies in Yonhi-dong and ride on ox-carts from time to time. He hopes to make a special visit to Seoul for the opportunity to show his kids the special place where he had gone to school. He also mentioned how much he appreciated Yoojin Um, for welcoming him, knowing his name and graduating year. He was amazed that Yoojin (current Manager of Comm. & Dev’t) could identify him so quickly.
Please let us know of changes to your contact information, or of any news that you would like to share in the Banner! yjum@seoulforeign.org
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Do you feel that SFS prepared you well for college? Could you briefly explain what was most helpful?
Roger KIM ’93
The quality of teaching I received at SFS is still the highest I have experienced in my academic career. The teachers here were thoughtprovoking, challenging, and most of all, cared very deeply about my learning. I have yet to experience anything close to the teaching I received here. In some ways, it spoiled me - I had to change my study habits significantly in college and medical school because my professors at Northwestern, while often brilliant researchers, were not always the finest of teachers.
In looking back, the one class that stands out as having the greatest impact on me is the Critical Thinking class I took under Richard Trinkner. He taught me how to write in a I attended SFS for two separate stints - I thoughtful, precise, and efficient was here from kindergarten through the manner - a skill that I rely on heavily first half of 4th grade, then transferred to today in preparing the Korean school system for a few years. research manuscripts I returned to SFS during the second for submission to semester of 7th grade and remained until medical journals. I graduated in 1993.
How long were you at SFS? What was SFS like during your time?
Attending SFS was a life-changing experience. Obviously, it was a great education. I was involved in many different activities, such as drama, Moonlight, and cross-country. I made some lifelong friends during my time here. But most importantly, it was during my sophomore year at SFS when I became a Christian. More than anything else, that single event changed the rest of my life. The influences of many of the teachers at SFS at the time (the RAATZ's, the MOONs, the RADERs, the DiFRANCOs) were pivotal in my deciding to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
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One of the other things about SFS that prepared me well for life in general is the breadth and depth of the life-experiences of my fellow students. Our senior class had, if I recall correctly, only 82 students, but represented about 2 dozen different nationalities. The different perspectives that each of my
Roger KIM ’93 Graduated SFS in 1993 BS, Northwestern University McCormick School of Engineering, 1996 (HPME) MD, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 2000 Residency, General Surgery, Stony Brook University Medical Center, 2000-2007 Fellowship, Surgical Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, 2007-2009 Assistant Professor of Surgery, LSU Health Sciences Center - Shreveport, 2009present
classmates brought to school broadened my own view of the world in a way that I think few high schoolers in the US get to experience.
Roger KIM and Amos LYSO back in 1993
first patients I operated on when I started have reached their 3-year follow -up mark; getting to see first-hand their gratitude is an incredibly rewarding and humbling experience. Sometimes, I can't believe I get paid to do what I do.
How do you feel coming back to SFS and sharing your life experiences with the high school students? I feel very honored to get to do this. SFS has some of the brightest students in the world, in my opinion. I am certain that among them are many of the future leaders of the world. I hope that sharing my experiences and advice may be helpful to them as they look to their futures. Roger performing robotic surgery
Do you have any messages you would like to convey to the high school seniors who may want to pursue a career in the medical profession? Being a physician is a demanding profession. Starting after graduation, the road to becoming a practicing physician is generally a minimum of 11 years (4 years of undergrad, 4 years of medical school, at least 3 years in residency), and these are years that occur at the prime of a young adult's life, when many of your friends will have already entered the work force and started "living life". In addition, physicians work long hours. During residency training, one can work up to 80 hours per week. In practice, that may only go down to about 60 hours a week. The financial rewards are not as great as many might imagine. While the average physician certainly makes a comfortable living, we're not anywhere near the salaries of investment bankers, CEOs, or pro
athletes. Also, remember that the average medical student graduates with about $300,000 in student loans. This can take a significant chunk of one's salary - I'm still paying off my loans! Bottom line: the only reason to go into medicine as a profession is because you love it. Without that passion, the physical and mental stresses of becoming a physician will often become too much to bear. As an example, of the five Roger sharing his career experiences with the residents that I started my general SFHS students during his visit in February surgery training with, two quit that same year. There has to be something more than just money, job security, or prestige to motivate you to "This is the place that preserve when times get tough. I consider myself very fortunate and blessed to have found a calling in a profession that I love. I can't imagine doing anything else other than being a surgeon, especially one who gets to take care of cancer patients. I am just at the point in my career where some of the
taught me how to think; but more importantly, this is the place where I met Christ."
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Calling all Alumni interested in becoming a Class Representative!! The following alumni have volunteered to be the Class Representatives for their class year. If you are interested in volunteering for this role please contact Yoojin Um at yjum@seoulforeign.org Class of 1976 Veronica CREVECOEUR Veronica organized the last reunion for the class of 1976 and will be organizing their 40th anniversary in 2016. She has volunteered to be the class representative for the class of 1976. Class of 1992 David RHA David recently joined the reunion in New York and volunteered to be the class representative for the Class of 1992. He currently resides in New York. More news on David is listed on page 16 under the NY alumni reunion.
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Class of 1994 Renee KANG After graduating from SFS in 1994, Renee spent 12 years in the US going to school in Michigan and working in New York City. After getting her MBA from Georgetown in 2006, she moved back to Seoul and joined Accenture Korea, where she has been working for the past 6.5 years. Part of her resolution to improve her overall work-life balance includes regularly practicing pilates and meeting old and new friends as often as possible. She is very excited to take on her new role as the representative for the class of 1994. Class of 2000 Meeyoung Michelle KIM Meeyoung currently resides in Seoul, Korea and is a parent at SFS. She has a son in the preschool. Michelle has volunteered to be the class representative for the class of 2000.
Class of 2002 Jennifer CHA Jennifer has been actively involved with her classmates the past year for organizing two 10 year reunions for the class of 2002. One in New York (August) and the other in Seoul (December). She has also volunteered to help reach out to SFS alumni in NY for the upcoming reunion in February. Jennifer is excited to be the class representative for the class of 2002. Class of 2004 Alex PAIK Alex is currently residing in Seoul and lives nearby SFS. He keeps in regular contact with his former teachers at SFS and has recently volunteered to be Class Representative for the Class of 2004.
1970s
grades 1-12 at SFS (with the exception of 6th grade). I saw the ‘flavor’ change from a ‘missionary kid’ school with a small dash of diplomat kids to more of a ‘business kid’ atmosphere with a small dash of missionary kids. I appreciate the education I received at SFS. The ’60s and ’70s were hard times in Korea and I have been amazed at the economic development that has transpired since I left.” Kyungen’s children Miriam and Daechang
1980s Thawivann LAMOUTH SPALDING ‘81*
attended SFS from 1971-76 and recently joined the Chicago reunion. She commented “I came from Cambodia where we never heard of the name of John O’DONNELL ‘70 forwarded a fun Jesus, read the Bible, or address God in a photo of their teddy bears at SFS, taken personal way. When I came to Seoul during their visit to Seoul last year. The Foreign School, it was my first teddy bears are called "John Charles and introduction to Jesus and the Bible and Mako Kumano," as they are known in the the first time I heard God addressed in a teddy bear photo world! You can see personal way through prayer. The them on the Facebook page at opportunity to experience the Christian John.Charles.1000Bears for more photos faith at SFS is what makes the school of the bears in Korea, as well as other most unique from all the other English places. Their prints are displayed in such private schools in Korea.” Her life story places as hospitals (eg., Cleveland Clinic, is also highlighted in the Centennial Children's Hospital of Michigan), Tribute video on Youtube which was museums, libraries, and private created by Kelly RIEMER CUSICK ‘81*. collections. For more information, go to For those of you who haven’t seen the www.onethousandbears.com video yet, go to Seoulforeingschool4u.
her son Daechang in 2Y and daughter Mirim in JKD. Kyungen still keeps in touch with Ellana LEE ’90*, head of Asia at CNN, and is thrilled to be reunited with alums here at SFS: Sujung HAHN ’88, and Andrea AHN ’89*. Kyungen shared that the IB experience at SFS was very helpful in preparing her for college level classes.
Mark CHUNG ’91* attended SFS when he was in kindergarten. He is currently the president of KCMI, a live entertainment planning and promotion company. Previous productions include English language touring productions of top Broadway musicals such as Cats and Les Miserables. Korean language productions include Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Les Miserables, currently running at the Blue Square Theater in Hannam-dong. Mark moved Greg CARLSON ‘72 who was part of the back to the United States at an early age Centennial celebrations and the golf where he finished his studies. He tournament last year wrote us when he graduated from New York University’s received our note on our next golf Kyungen KIM ’90 attended SFS from tournament in May. He said “I will have 1985-1990. She graduated from Wellesley undergraduate film program in 1996 and later on received his MBA from Arizona to be there in spirit this time!” We will for before moving on to RISD with an MFA State University. Mark is also a current sure miss having you at the event this in sculpture, and finally to Harvard for SFS parent with his son, Oliver, in 6th year, Greg! her Masters of Architecture, where she met her husband Eulho SUH. Currently, grade. Kyungen is an architect at Suh Architects, While updating her mailing address, Karen BERNARD HATCHER ‘77 wrote founded by her husband in 2006. She is back at SFS, as a parent this time with “I enjoy reading The Banner. I spent
1990s
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2000s
Jenna PRUST ’03 with her best SFS Friend Lydia LIN ’03
Jenna PRUST ’03 graduated from St. Norbert College in 2007 with degrees in both Elementary Education and K-12 Spanish Education. Shortly thereafter, she began working as a bilingual teacher at an elementary school in Green Bay, WI and completed certifications in both bilingual/bicultural education and ESL. In July of 2011 Jenna married Adam GLORISO, (Product Manager for Orbis Corporation) whom she started dating in her freshman year of college. Most recently, she obtained her Reading teacher license and will graduate with her master's degree this coming July. Jenna is currently working as a bilingual reading teacher at Blair Elementary School in Waukesha, WI. “I find working with struggling readers to be very rewarding, and enjoy the
challenges and successes that each day brings!” They currently live in Pewaukee, WI near family and friends. Catherine CHUNG ’09* attended SFS from grade 1-4 during her elementary school years and went on to pursue a career in art & design and food. She is currently the Design Manager at Oliversweet, a dessert and catering company founded by her sister-in -law Yuni Chung. In addition to looking George RUDOLPH ’07 and his wife Zofia
From Left to Right: Mark CHUNG ’91*, Catherine CHUNG ’09*, Yuni CHUNG and Mathew CHUNG ’03*
after all the design aspects of the business, Catherine also runs baking classes in English for both adults and children. Yuni’s husband, Catherine’s oldest brother Mark CHUNG ’91* is also an SFS alum and current parent. Catherine’s other brother Matthew CHUNG ’03* attended SFS from grade 1 to grade 8 and went on to build a career as a chef and television personality. Mathew is currently preparing for the opening of his first workshop & private dining restaurant Super Eight, Food & From Left :Steve & Barbara PRUST (former teachers), Media. Jenna & Adam GLORIOSO, Lauren and John PRUST ’01 at Jenna’s wedding in 2011
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Huge congratulations to the RUDOLPH family on George RUDOLPH ’07 and Zofia OKICKI’s wedding on March 23rd, 2013. The wedding took place at St. Anthony of Padua, in the Soho District in Manhattan. They first met at freshman orientation at Princeton University and had been dating since 2007. George is currently working for Boston Consulting Group in Manhattan and Zofia is working for IMS Consulting Group (health care related consulting firm) also in Manhattan. George and Zofia spent three weeks of their honeymoon in Chile, including Patagonia and Easter Island!
George’s parents Linda RUDOLPH on left, and Harry RUDOLPH with Linda’s sister Laure in center
Former Faculty Joneen COPELAND, Former Teacher shared the following on our official SFS Facebook page. “Teaching at Seoul Foreign School was definitely a highlight in my career. In-services included a writer's workshop, which started me on a path of providing better writing instruction for my students. It also motivated me to write with my students.”
From left to right are Natalie Cho (SFS, Grade 9), Kathy Lee (USC, Pre-med), Paul Cho (SFS Board member), Christopher Cho (UCLA, Statistics ), Kaishi Kang (UCLA, Cognitive Science) and Sean Kim (USC, College of Letters, Arts and Sciences)
2010s During a trip to LA during the Lunar New year holidays Paul CHO gathered some SFS Centennial alums (2012) for dinner in Korea Town. Although the cross-town rivalry is fierce between UCLA and USC, these SFS grads displayed their Crusader spirit and love for one another and enjoyed a month’s supply of barbecued beef! They also shared memorable stories about their SFS experience. One thing was for sure - the SFS campus, a microcosm of the campuses at UCLA and USC, was missed and will never be forgotten.
and Kotoe will be studying a science related degree. Recently, both alum were highlighted in the press as Howell School’s first Japanese Head girls. Kotoe is the new Prime Warden at Howells School, Denbigh, Wales’s top girls boarding school and Pin CHOU has been voted in as a Warden. Kotoe is studying biology, geography, chemistry and maths at A-level and working towards her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
Ellie FRY ’11 will be travelling this summer from August 13th - September 9th to Cambodia on a service trip with a group of students from the University of Bristol. If you would like to help communities in Cambodia, please donate Former BS students, Pin CHOU’13* and Kotoe KURODA ’13*, currently attending to Justgiving at http://www.justgiving.com/eleanor-fry/ the Howell School have successfully gained offers from the universities of their choice. Pin is continuing her passion for Cuisine by attending a catering college
Over the years, students asked Joneen when she would publish some of the books she had written. Now that she is retired from teaching, she is following their suggestion. Joneen has finished writing and illustrating her first book, which is available at Amazon. The book is entitled Character Traits: Diligence, Cooperation, & Patience This is an "everybody" book with large font and ink drawings on almost every page. Each character trait is taught through something from nature. The stories are fiction that incorporate many facts. The first two stories are followed by informational articles. The third story has a detailed outline of information. A bibliography, list of activities, and coloring pages finish out the book. “Thanks to all at SFS from 1991-1997 who encouraged me to take risks in writing and to follow my dreams.”
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school. He initially struggled adjusting to the new environment and experienced some culture shock. He misses a lot of things from SFS but especially the strong community relationship at SFS. He was really excited to meet up with his former BS teachers and also shadow his friends, who are now in HS. teacher Mrs. KRIPALINI five years ago and visited her in California.
Karen VANDERWEGEN ’91* dropped by for a visit on April 3rd, with her two daughters Emma (14) and Alina (8) from On April 12th, Rev. Hilbert W. RIEMER Belgium, where she currently teaches and Joan RIEMER stopped by for a short On February 13th Roger KIM ’93 visited kindergarten. This was Karen’s first time visit on a tour of Korea. They had lived in the SFS campus with his wife Soo Kyung Korea from 1961-2004. For 15 of those SUH and daughter Audrey, born in years, Joan taught at the HS, and both October 2012. Roger attended SFS during Joan and Rev. Riemer served on the SFS the years 1979-83 and 1987-93 and Council and School Board. Rev. Riemer is remains best friends with Amos LYSO currently President Emeritus at Luther ‘93/current faculty. Both were best man at University Seminary in Yongin. They each other’s weddings. Roger was thrilled to meet up with his friend Amos as well as touring the SFS campus, including the new Centennial Welcome Center. Roger is currently an Assistant Professor of Karen VANDERWEGEN ’91* with her Surgery at the LSU Health Sciences daughters Emma & Alina Center in Shreveport, Louisiana since 2009. He also offered a session sharing his back in Korea since she left in 1981. experiences and expertise on the ins and Karen attended SFS from 1980-1981 and outs of a career in medicine for high was in Mrs. KRIPALANI’s second grade school students interested in pursuing a class. Her sister Marit ‘94* was in Rev. Hilbert W. RIEMER and Joan REIMER career in the medical field. Roger’s Mrs. DOROW’s kindergarten class and interview can be found on pages 18-19. her brother Joris ‘92* was in Mrs. were joined by Carol JOHNSON, mother FULLER’s first grade class. Karen has of Kit JOHNSON ’82* who also lived in John MILLER ‘16* visited SFS on March very fond memories of her time at SFS in Korea from 1969-1972. Carol was at the 22nd. John had attended the SFBS for over the early 1980s and wanted for her time a medical missionary with the 8 years before leaving in 2011. He daughters to experience the spirit of SFS. Presbyterian Church and Kit attended currently resides in Maple Grove, Though the campus looks very SFS from kindergarten to grade 2. Minnesota and is attending the Blake different, she recognized the old Korean gate and the ES playground. “I have very good memories of the school. It felt like home even though we were abroad”. She also had a chance to reminisce as she looked through the yearbook and remembered her friends Sarah UNDERWOOD ’91, Chris WILLETT’91*, Annelies VAN ROY’91*, and her best friend, Wonsun LEE ’91*. Carol JOHNSON pointing out their old house Karen connected with her second grade John MILLER ’16*
From Left: Amos LYSO ’93/current faculty, Roger KIM ’93, his daughter Audrey and Roger’s wife Soo Kyung SUH
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We are thankful to our leaving Faculty for their significant contributions towards the excellence of education at SFS On April 25th, brothers Douglas MOON ’86*and Edward MOON ’82* came by the school while in Seoul to see how much had changed since they had left in 1976. The brothers had attended SFS from 1973-1976; Douglas stayed from 4th to 6th grade and Edward from kindergarten to 2nd grade. They were amazed at the changes and reminisced, looking at old yearbook photos and sharing stories of home-made Halloween costumes, naughty mudslides down mounds of dirt on rainy days, and ramen and rice lunches in the cafeteria. Doug remembered looking out from the back of his Banpo apartment onto a vast area of dirt, ox- pulled carts, and rice paddies. Edward also remembered many of his teachers and friends, and his best buddy, Tay Gun YOO ’86*. Edward is currently a chef and teaches at Monroe College in New York. Douglas works for Starwood Hotels and lives in Boston. Douglas MOON ’82* & Edward MOON ’86*
We were notified of the passing of Bruce FOUND ’41* by his daughter Marion Campbell and his wife, Catherine. Bruce and his siblings Paul FOUND ’40*, Elaine and Eleanor were all born in Korea. Bruce’s parents Dr. Norman FOUND and Helen FOUND were medical missionaries associated with Severance Hospital. Bruce was enrolled at SFS in 1929 and his family returned to Canada in the late 1930s. Bruce graduated from the University of Guelph in 1947 and then joined the Armed Forces. He taught science before becoming the Vice-principal of Adam Scott Collegiate and Vocational Institute for twenty years. He also had a passion for flying and the outdoors. He built a family cottage, and taught student pilots
at the Peterborough Airport. Bruce was also a very active member of his community as a founding member of the Alzheimer’s Society of Peterborough, and a longstanding member of the Trinity United Church and the United Services Institute. Bruce’s children Christie, Marion, Margaret, Paul and Jennifer appreciated the many stories Bruce shared with them about Korea. At the funeral, everyone sang “Jesus Loves Me” in Korean. Bruce’s wife Catherine shared that Bruce enjoyed reading The Banner and “... always looked forward to receiving the envelopes coming from your school in Seoul”.
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THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS
For Sponsorship and advertising opportunities, please contact June Kang, Director jkang@seoulforeign.org 02-330-3116
For supporting our School-wide events
The Communications & Development Office Yoojin Um, Manager yjum@seoulforeign.org 02-330-3137
We are thankful to our leaving Faculty for their significant contributions towards the excellence of education at SFS
Jamie Ailor ES SK
Alyssia Baland BS Y3B
Eric Baland ES Gr 5
Bhauna Bardolia MS Religious Studies
Ken Caldwell MS Music/ HS Band
Hannah Cho HS Math
Kristen Coffelt HS Art
Mary Ewald HS ESL
Katie Findley BS Ed. Tech
Alexia Guillois HS French
Fiona Keary BS Y8K/Science
Alice Lavina BS Learning Support
Seajae Lee HS Korean
Teena Lee ES Gr 4
Isabelle Leger BS Y7L KS2/3 French
Angela Marquis IP coordinator
Jeff Marquis HS Assist. Principal
MC Media Specialist (MS/BS)
Grace Pak ES Gr 5
Susan Hyunmi Park ES ESL
Kate Reynolds HS Art
Fiona Scott BS Y6S
Peter Shaffer MS Gr 7 Math/Science
Misty Skidmore MS Gr 7 Humanities
Theresa Pena BS Y4P
Jennifer Underwood
ES Gr 4
Shaun Ward BS Y8W/Hist./Y7Math
Joanne Wilcox HS English
Hillary Marshall
Robert Wilcox HS Psychology
Juana Shaffer MS/BS Spanish
Tae Yi ES Gr 2